Rating of
2/4
A Sordid and Murky Half-Thriller
mitchellyoung - wrote on 01/30/13
Deadfall seems promising, at first glance. The wintery setting is treacherous and compelling and the premise and set-up are well-executed. Once the plot gets going, though, the film can't decide what type of movie it's going to be - a dysfunctional family drama or a cold-blooded thriller. It tries to be a little of both, but doesn't excel at either. The actors try to do what they can with the material, but a lot of the family drama scenes are emotionally overwrought and full of misplaced dramatic cliches. Likewise, the action sequences (other than a brutal opening car crash) feel tired and energy-less. The ending stand-off has its share of tense moments, but the ending feels abrupt and cliched. Potential was there, but this film just misses the mark.
