Small Engine Repair

It takes the time to build up the relationship between the 3 guys, a friendship and bond so strong that the other two see Crystal as their daughter as well. Bernthal was the star here for me but all 3 were great, along with Bravo herself. Pollono deserves credit for writing, directing AND acting and doing all so well. The writing is so clever, emotional and funny, while also handling the darker subject matter. There were two "oh shit" moments that really got me.

A well written, well executed drama. Absolutely a must see. Pollano, Bernthal and Whigham are so great as three lifelong friends but Ciara Bravo is the standout without a doubt. The fractured relationship with her parents and then the final act. It will make you emotional. It has a heartbreaking twist that is often the reality and it's a damn shame. One of the best movies of 2021 and immediately resonates with me as a parent. I can't compliment this film enough.

Whole first half is slow hang-out set-up with no whiff of plot. Admirable, but despite some acute observation, the humour and characters are a little broad. When the plot comes, presumably where the four-character play started, it's too dumb. Spoilers: I was waiting for someone to mention geolocation, but they all seem to forget GPS and cell towers exist for the sake of the Instagram pay-off. More falseness: steadily escalating bar rumble with no sound from nor sight of staff. House does well.

A tale of two tones. First half is a pretty funny buddy flick. Good dialogue, very natural performances. Found myself smiling throughout. Second half gets darker of course as is the point. I preferred the first half but overall the movie was very good for what it was. Solid 7.3.

Good at times but basically an incredibly bleak story about alcoholic victims of parental violent abuse. There is too much talking and glorifying being drugged and bombed. That said they make the anger and out of control characters front and center believable.

Good film, great cast, twists along the way.

Weird comedic timing. Shea Whigham is a god damn treat, as always.

A decent movie about a buddy group that go a little too far when one of their daughters are wronged. They get in way over their heads until one of them finds of a creative solution to resolve the situation without violence. The young man creating all the havoc was very nearly not so lucky. The movie flows well, acting is good and the story keeps you entertained. Worthwhile and for the most part credible.