Rating of
2/4
Takes a Wrong Turn
Franz Patrick - wrote on 10/24/08
I liked this film because it is an indie movie but it doesn’t feel like an indie movie. I thought the performances by Naomie Harris (for about ten minutes, I knew she looked familiar and then it occured to me that she was in “28 Days Later”), Adam Scott (in a surprisingly serious character), and particularly Josh Hartnett were strong so it didn’t become completely tedious. But what keeps this movie from becoming great is its extremely slow pacing and very low-key way of storytelling. There were moments in the film where I wondered where it was going or if it was even planning on going anywhere. It started off as a business drama, but it eventually focused on Hartnett’s relationship with his family and ex-girlfriend. I wish it could’ve focused more on the former because there are already a lot of better movies out there that focus on the dynamics of the family. I think if the writers had cut off the scenes that had nothing to do with the business, this picture would have been more thrilling and not too bogged down by sappiness. If it weren’t for the performances, I would’ve been completely frustrated with this film. Hartnett has proven himself again as a serious actor instead of just being a pretty face. Hopefully, more people will realize his potential with a better vehicle the next time around. I’m not saying that one should avoid this film but if one likes slow movies that sticks close to real life, then go ahead and see it.
