The Paperboy

Another John Cusack film back-to-back for me and joining in on the film-fun was English David Oyelowo whom you may recall from 'Jack Reacher', porcelain and extra-fun character Charlotte Bless played by Aussie' Nicole Kidman, ever-southern yet outstanding performance by Mathew McConaughey and the handsome "High-school dancer" now "swimmer" and 'The Paper Boy' Zac Efron. And how can we forget our narrator and voice of reason - a natural in front of the camera, 'singer-turned actress' Macy Gray.

This 2012 American-thriller written by Pete Dexter who won an award for his 1991 novel turned movie 'Paris Trout' and known for other beloved works like 'Michael' starring John Travolta, had his story adapted into screenplay by Lee Daniels who also directed this film. Lee Daniels who is known for producing gritty and disturbing films like 'Monster's Ball' starring Halle Berry and 'Precious' starring Gabourney Sidibe pivoting both actress' into Academy Award nominations and hall of fame, intended to do just that for this steamy and equally alarming story.

My favourite part of this film were the camera-angles which were fluid and propped in the most natural and un-natural of positions, it made for it's viewers feeling even closer to the characters and what was going on in the story. I felt the acting was strong aside from the occasional smirks shown by Efron (but who could blame him because of the very many not-intended yet comical parts in this film). The story was far-fetched and utterly abominable but believable characters, and behaviour of people living in Florida during that time, and probably a little still today.

Rated R for some of the most nauseating sexual content, violence and language, it's not a film for family-fun. With a budget of $12 million USD and not making much back at the box-office and notwithstanding it's dismal and simple ambitions, it still has all the makings of Academy Award nominations. 

The Factory

This 2012 Crime-mystery-thriller caught my eye because of the talented chameleon of an actor Jennifer Carpenter starring in this role. She shines alongside acting veteran John Cusack whom you may remember from 'Being John Malkovich' and '1408' with Samuel L. Jackson. Written by Aussie Paul Leyden and Morgan O'Neill, and directed by Morgan O'Neill this film was a ride into a dangerous obsession that had no end. 

With a budget of a surprising $25 million USD it isn't sure that they made it all back at the box-office and I am pretty sure they did not win any awards or nominations. Filmed in Montreal and Quebec Canada, this film had not only snow, to set the mood of the cold and troubling subject matter based on true events but also interesting and dark camera angles.

Enough to grip you the fact that it was based on a true story, and riveting at the beginning but somehow it didn't pay off towards the end. It was slow to unfold but a rush at the end, which means it was probably a late-resolving plot agreement by the film-making team. Decent acting, but not a desirable culmination for it's audience.

John Cusack, Jennifer Carpenter, big budget but unfortunate blunder.