- Sensibility: A strangely choreographed police raid near the end, some strange choices by the villains with their captive, and some unlikely last ditch efforts from wounded are all issues that take away from the film which is generally quite reasonable even given the wild narrative circumstances.
- Cinematography: The film does a lot of things right visually and artistically, having moments where all the pieces fit together to make some unforgettable scenes. However, there are moments where the pieces don't quite fit right, and the effect is almost magnified. Some clunky fight scene choregraphy, some strange music/soundtrack choices, and some strange gun shot vfx all detract from some moments that could have hit harder.
- Energy: Great ride. The story has so much going for it and powerhouse performances from the main cast really take this film across the goal-line.
- Narrative: Solid dialogue writing between father and daughter really helps carry this film across the goal-line. However, some cliché choices near the end detract a bit from what I think could have been a grittier, darker ending.
- T-Points: The film received four bonus points: one for a great opening shot on Nate between the windows of a car, one for a brutal scene where "growing up sucks," one for an all-around jaw-dropping performance from Ana Sophia Heger as Polly and one for and one for an unforgiving, bitter-sweet dance scene ending.
I'll ride shotgun on this film anytime. Reminds me a lot of another great film The Place Beyond the Pines.
Number of Watches: 1
