The story follows Will (Ben Foster), a decorated war hero that came home with a purple heart for saving some friends during an attack in some nameless Iraqi city. Although he’s sent back to the states, he still has a few months left of service.  His superior assigns him to the task force in charge of informing the next of kin of soldiers’ deaths within twenty four hours of the event.  This is a two man job, and he’s partnered up with Tony Stone (Woody Harrelson), who is clearly damaged goods (even though he’s never seen any real action).  He’s in quasi-recovery from alcoholism and does things by the book.  The two form an awkward bro-mance and go from family to family informing them of the worst news they’ll probably receive.  Will becomes particularly affected by Olivia (Samantha Morton), whom he informs her husband is dead.

The standout quality of the film is the performances of the three leads.  Foster takes the role to heart and clearly becomes the product of a war gone wrong.  Harrelson also had his work cut out for him, but manages to play a broken man excessively well.  Morton’s performance was much subtler (and smaller), but was just as powerful.  It’s wildly entertaining watching Will and Olivia enter into a sexless, awkward relationship that both fight because, well, her husband just died, and he’s the soldier that informed her of the fact. The conflict is never really discussed, but the actors manage to speak volumes without really saying much.

Moverman’s direction isn’t really that impressive.  Without the talented cast, the movie would have been extremely flat.  Partly to blame for this is the script that Moverman co-wrote with Alessandro Camon (the relatively successful producer responsible for Fur). There was also an uncomfortable amount of humor that Will and Tony find in their job.  Sure, there are tense moments that feel just right, but it feels far too uncomfortable laughing at such a solemn responsibility.  There are some great appearances by people like Jena Malone, Steve Buscemi, and more.  Overall, The Messenger has its moments, but mostly is just another mediocre film about the Iraq war (and who needs another one of those?).

2 out of 4 stars

Reservoir Dogs is one of the main reasons that I keep going to Sundance every year.  This movie along with Sex, Lies, and Videotape, Requiem for a Dream, they’re the standout gems that I hope to find every time I watch something by a director I’ve never heard of.  Of course, I was eight in 1992 when Tarantino’s first film debuted there, but I’m certain there are more out there to be discovered.

The majority of the dialogue was written by Quentin Tarantino himself, with the exception being the occasional voice over we hear from a 70s radio host which was penned by Roger Avary (who went on to write Beowulf).  The words are a credit to QT’s genius.  He manages to capture every day coversations, make them interesting, and involve them in his not-so-every-day story.

Before I summarize the plot, I’d like to give you the plot synopsis found on the back of the DVD which I bought in St. Petersburg, Russia so you’ll have a better understanding:

After a unsuccessful robbery of jeweller shop in the appointed place survived participants of a robbery gather.  One policeman from them but who do not know.  in film we learn(find out), how operation prepared, all characters will be described.  We learn(find out) who were a police an.  Quentin Tarantino, the script writer and the director, has created powerful a picture.  It has presented us a slice of the present life, and has shown human mutual relation of people.

If that wasn’t detailed enough for you, I’ll explain.  A group of robbers, named only after colors, Mr. Pink, Mr. Brown, Mr. White, etc., etc., unsuccessfully rob a jewelry store.  Some are killed, some are horrifically wounded.  They meet back at a warehouse trying to figure out the best course of action.  It’s clear they’ve been set up and the majority of the movie is based on the dialogue in this warehouse, with occasional short flashbacks to other places.  I’m not sure what significance this film holds, how it helps me understand society, or if I’m better for watching it, but it doesn’t matter.  Whether you enjoy the film or not, you’ll be completely sucked in to this gritty, hilarious, and graphic world.

A stellar cast certainly helped this low-budget flick, starring among others: Steve Buscemi, Harvey Keitel, Michael Madsen, Tim Roth, Chris Penn, and an unfortunate little roll for Tarantino Himself.  But it really is due to Tarantino’s remarkable scriptwriting and directing ability,  Being his debut, QT certainly made his mark on the world and hasn’t let us down since (except for, in my opinion, that weird Four Rooms movie).

4 out of 4 stars

Rottentomatoes: 95% – Cream of the Crop: 92%