Harsh Times
|
List Price: Our Price: $4.26 You Save: $5.69 (57%) Availability: Usually ships in 1-2 business days Buy Used: from $0.96 (click here) Category: DVD See more DVD releases |
|---|
Buy this DVD movie at online store in your country
Canada
Canada
Movie Reviews of Harsh Times
Movie Review: Spellbinding performances, a chilling concept
Summary: 5 Stars
Jim is a veteran from Afghanistan, whose application to the LAPD is turned down. Mike, his friend, is also searching for a job, but choosing instead to party it up with Jim. But the attrocities Jim saw (and committed) in the war begin to wear on him, encouraging the violent side that lay dormant until then, and he slowly drags Mike down with him, spiraling to a breakdown that could shatter their friendship...if they survive it.
I wasn't sure what to expect from "Harsh Times." I've become quite a fan of Christian Bale lately; and I loved Freddy Rodriguez in "Planet Terror," and thought he would be a great dramatic actor (little did I know, he has a lot of experience in the field; my bad homey, as Mike would say). But I wasn't sure about the concept, if it could hold my attention the entire two hours of the film.
Well, it did, largely thanks to two great performances from the leads. True, Bale doesn't flesh out this role as well as he has others, but he's still one of the best out there. Rodriguez matches him step-for-step, creating one of the best dramatic pairings I've seen in quite some time. Eva Longoria and Tammy Trull, as the love interests on the two men, shine in their brief--yet important--performances. J.K. Simmons offers some nice levity as a Homeland Security agent; it's one of the few light-hearted moments in the film, and even then there's something simmering underneath--when Simmons mutters to Bale "We're all a little wacko here," a momentary chill runs down your spine.
The script--by director David Ayer--is fairly good, especially in the film's second half; it's first half feels like Street Lingo 101, full of "dudes" and "homeys" and the like. It's also a bit strange, seeing the Welsh Bale acting like an American soldier who wants to be an Hispanic gangbanger; Bale's Spanish is spoken low and rapidly, probably so we don't pick up on the accent. Still, those are just minor flaws; once the movie pulls you in--as it will--you'll be on the edge of your seat, moved by tragedy (there's little redemption here, sorry) these two men face as their friendship slowly unravels. "Harsh Times" is a gripping, churning drama of the highest caliber. No pun intended.
Movie Review: Bale and Freddy are great in this one.
Summary: 5 Stars
This flick touches my soft part, I can really relate to Jims (Bales) Character. Im a former soilder myself and have been witness to similiar situations in combat that have really left a post tramatic impression on me. Thank god I have had alot of support from my family and friends, unfortunatly that is not the case with Jim. He has no family whatsoever other then his surrogate brother portrayed exceptionally by Freddy Rodriguez. He is alone, frustrated with his life, and is a deeply troubled individual. He is in search of happiness but rejects it when it is knocking on his door. He has a chance to marry his beautiful girlfriend but choses a life of violence in joining a special op task force for the homeland security dealing with drug cartels in south america. This flick can be disturbing at times, not for the faint of heart, but it is really realistic in the portrayal of friendship, loyalty, and true brotherhood. I give David Ayer props for this gutsy story he has written and directed. I have to say that this movie is almost good as Training Day which he wrote as well. He is a talented up and coming director. Deserving of 4.5 stars but I gave it 5 because of the connection that I had with Christian Bales character. Its a great movie that is underated and probably misunderstood. I highly reccomend.Movie Review: we all have some part of Jim inside ourselves
Summary: 5 Stars
I am a fan of Christian Bale. I would say this character impressed me much more than his roles in American Psycho, Equilibrium, The Prestige, etc. But this is not a movie for everyone, just like Bale's some other movies. If you have never been haunted by the nightmares of past unpleasant experiences, or have never gone through the struggles of trying to regain a decent life while the die-hard old habits constantly drag you back into the dark...you probably would not like this movie. This film touched my heart. Not only I can relate with the character, but it showed me how complicated and pathetic human beings are to such extent. Honestly speaking, we all have some part of Jim inside ourselves, only in much more subtle ways...if we dare to watch closely.Movie Review: Damage Case...
Summary: 5 Stars
Jim (Christian Bale) is a man with a plan for his future. His dream is to be in law enforcement, to be a cop. The thing is, Jim has an anger problem. Well, ok, Jim is a seething ball of rage and fury. He is hell unleashed on the streets of LA. Now, this was a beneficial quality in his army ranger days, but not so much in civilian life. Jim is an extremely volitile individual without fear or limits. His best friend, Mike (Freddy Rodriguez) sticks by him, even when Jim begins his homicidal / suicidal descent into final madness. HARSH TIMES is brutal and cruel. Bale is incredible in his mentally destroyed role. The rest of the characters can only watch Jim's fatal journey into oblivion. We are taken along for one last ride...Movie Review: Harsh Times Is A Great Flick
Summary: 5 Stars
If you don't think this movie is any good, I would hate to know the movies you would like. This is the most underrated movie I've seen in a while. Christian Bale has become one of my favorite actors. I love him in absolutely everything I see him in. And this movie is no different. He seems to embody his characters in such an intense way, it can be scary, and he doesn't disappoint here. For being an Englishman, he does American better than most American actors. I thought the script was well written, and the supporting actors did a good job. That Desperate Housewives chick didn't even get on my nerves.