Neo Ned (2005)

the audience applauded

Great Film overall

Pretty good movie overall. First half was nothing special but it got better as it went along.

It was OK. I don't see why everyone loves it so much. It wasn't very smart or deep or well-directed.

Jeremy Renner has to be one of Hollywoods finest. He plays the role of a neo-nazi serving time for a race related crime in a mental hospital with brilliant ease. At the facility, he meets a young African American woman who believes she is Adolf Hitler. The two of them forms a strong bond that lead Ned (Jeremy Renner) to a new found path of love rather than hate. The movie itself is quite remarkable, painting a picture of a unique relationship without falling into any plot shattering clichés. Both lead characters Ned and Racheal (Gabrielle Union) provide stories that are both complex and heart breaking. The movie does rely on the viewer to figure out the main character Ned, which is far from a problem. Renner plays the part with such a strong conviction that the audience is left feeling what his character does, and not once does he make the character feel unrealistic or synthetic. As far as Unions role goes, she has no problem following her male college. She proves she is more that capable of playing deep interesting roles, and that her talents go way beyond her repetition. The movie might not be perfect; from a personal point of view the soundtrack may be a bit of and does not complete the vibe in the movie. But all those little things is forgotten thanks to such brilliant acting and a well written and heart-warming/breaking story.

So have you ever wondered what would happen when two mental patients, one of whom is a Neo-Nazi and the other who is a black woman who thinks she is possessed by Adolf Hitler fall in love, well match this delightful movie to find out. This is pure indy film making, very low budget, hell I could see the reel change marks and this was on television. So is this a good movie well yes. Is it for everyone well no!. This is not a movie that hits just one note, it is at times funny, at other times touching, at times brutal, and yes at times disturbing. This movie is for the individual who finds it hard to sit through most of what Hollywood puts out. Gabrielle Union (Hitler), and the hurt locker's Jeremy Renner give remarkable performances with tons of emotion that feels "real". I liked this movie a lot, this is one of those movies that hopefully would appeal to those readers I am seeking. If you watched this movie and liked it you pass the test.

Already being a Jeremy Renner fan, reading through these reviews makes it seem as though I've seen it already and it saddens me that I haven't had the chance (living in Iowa, kind of hard to since to my knowledge it hasn't been distributed yet).I just wanted to add my two cents in that this film should be distributed, if not to the theaters than at least on DVD. I'm just sick and tired of the big budget movies getting all of the play when the movies with true substance have to scratch and claw for years just to get some notice.So add my vote to the please distribute this film list.

This is the best work I have seen Jeremy Renner do. I didn't think he could top his performance in "Dahmer" but this performance is even more exceptional - powerful, humane and heartbreaking. Gabrielle Union who plays opposite Renner's "Ned," is equally good, and it as much her character's story as it is Ned's. I don't want to reveal any "spoilers" but suffice to say, this is an unpredictable movie with a lot of unexpected surprises. I hope this film gets a bigger release, as it is really a movie that might change peoples' minds about prejudice and how love can heal the most wounded of hearts. And it's a good example of how an independent movie with a low budget can outshine a summer full of cookie cutter blockbusters. This film isn't perfect but there is an earnestness that is refreshing. It's an uncynical piece of work. Kind of rare in Hollywood.