Dark Country (2009)

People are voting emotionally.

Good concept, poorly executed.

The performances transcend the film's tropes, grounding it in characters that feel more complete than this subgenre often produces.

The film creates a perfect balance between action and depth of basic needs, in the midst of an infertile atmosphere.

I'm guessing this script was pulled from the trash by whoever owns rights to use as a proving ground for an untested production crew in case they flopped and destroyed a valuable script. Everyone involved ends up doing a competent job but this script is worthless.Disappointment sets in and Blame rests on Tab Murphy,writer, who is developmentally challenged and can only squeak by in his career as a children's writer. He attempts to hide this fact until the bitter end when it becomes painfully obvious, behind Twilight Zone-esque mystery and foreshadowing that promises a reveal and twist ending that does more than fall completely flat rather shamefully exposing absolutely nothing and Tab Murphy in a way it's painful to watch. I can't imagine why Tab Murphy submitted this script, beyond he's desperate for money and was hoping for a check for the company to hold rights but never produce this, Is a masochist, Or he's developmentally challenged and doesn't understand how to write a Twilight Zone episode and seriously doesn't understand why this doesn't work. Still worth a watch as everyone else involved comes through to tell the story Tab forgot.

This reminded me of a Coen Brothers film, particularly Blood Simple and Fargo. What distinguishes it is it from the brothers is the flat dialogue, though the stunning digital landscape offers some visual stimulation. After a spectacular coupling, the participants get married in Las Vegas and then light out for the desert. Pretty soon they come across a dead body and find themselves in the twilight zone. The style is a mix of film noir in colour and comic book graphics. The acting is no more than serviceable but it all holds together and the visuals keeps you occupied during the script's lesser moments, of which there are quite a few. It's not for a film for everyone but I stayed with it to see where it was heading, and I'm glad I did

You enjoy from first to last second. Thank you Sakis.The first thing you will notice about this movie is it's style. It takes a few minutes to get used to the pseudo-film noire feel and the interesting camera work. In the end you may feel as though you've been watching an episode of The Twilight Zone, or Tales From the Dark Side. Welcome this feeling- it is the only way to really embrace the computer enhanced darkness that fills this movie.For the most part the acting is solid. Thomas Jane is pulling double duty as both lead actor and director, a difficult task for anyone (watch almost any Branagh film), and in this case it works. You can tell he feels very comfortable working with his surroundings, co-stars and cameras. Lauren German never really seems to find her stride in this movie but I'm willing to blame the writer for never making any very solid decisions as to her character. And Ron Perlman is just sort of there, being Ron Perlman. Which is fine, if you like Ron Perlman.

SPOILER (-ISH)If you have read Trevain Austins review here on IMDb, you may choose to skip this one since he has described it accurately. However, allow me to add that there are still a few things 'up in the air'.The scenery for example is at times too crisp, yet the movie is visually pleasing overall. (Unless you've goofed up your video settings.) You should enjoy most of what you see.... I enjoyed views inside the car as well as all of the lights and darks, whether they are CGI or not.Short attention spans and tired people beware: Plot development is at a snails pace. They seem to be aiming for a mix of suspense, mystery and confusion.I of course agree with the time loop theory, not sure how I can dispute that. Trevains was an apt summary the films events, minus the dialogue. Begging your pardon but that guys face was more than just bloody, in fact at times it looked like they were trying to make it utterly grotesque. Then I figured it was done so he can't recognize himself in the loop right away, which was a mini-twist I guess? I like how the flipped car was facing away so you couldn't see what kind of car it was right off the bat.I also subscribe to the theory that he is supposed to be reliving his own personal hell after dying, although this is a cruel approach to religion if you believe in the existence of hell. I'm not trying to wrap this up in a neat little package, so you should watch it for yourself.If you have previously enjoyed Tom Jane movies check it out. His co-star is easy on the eyes.One more thing: The guy with the mangled face in the rear seat of the car brought up a couple random details about Tom Janes characters' wife while they were driving. I would have pulled over right then.If you want to see a great movie that is not famous or acclaimed, go for Deadly Impact. Sean Patric Flanery (Boondock Saints 1 + 2, Simply Irresistible, Powder) and Joe Pantoliano (The Matrix, Bad Boys 1 + 2, The Sopranos). Quite an explosive movie. Starts and finishes with vigor.As for this reviewed movie, it has entertainment value. About 8 cents. Here, I'll add my two: 5/10