qonder
As a native of Baltimore, I had to go see a film which was made locally. One of the local second run theaters was featuring this film. I went in not really knowing what to expect, but was pleasantly surprised. Note, if you plan to see the film, make sure to get to the showing ahead of time, as the film gets off with a bang right from the start.What I enjoyed about this film's mystery, was the approach of solving the crime from watching the security tapes. I couldn't say if there were 21 cameras involved, but certainly we see the crime go down from every imaginable angle. As two detectives are watching the tapes, things start off kind of slow, but as the night wears on, the intensity surrounding the viewing of the tapes builds and builds. In the audience, I was finding myself trying to figure things out right along with them.I can't finish this commentary without mentioning the humor. Most of the joke lines went by before I realized they were funny. Then when it struck me, the film had already moved on and I had to focus back to the plot. It may be worth watching again, just to make sure I catch all the humor.
hausrathman
Two detectives, heard but never seen, assigned to watch a stack of surveillance tapes from a failed jewel robbery discover that a more insidious crime in this ground-breaking independent thriller directed by Lee Bonner. Because of its limited perspective -- we only see the images the two detectives themselves are watching -- 'Replay' began like a bold cinematic stunt, but the mystery quickly hooked me. Soon, I felt as much a participant in the mystery as Fisher Stevens and Michael Buscemi, who played the two detectives. Fortunately, for those in the audience with me, I refrained from offering my advice aloud to the detectives. I really enjoyed this movie. It's great to see someone try something new and succeed.
MF210
My Rating: *** out of ****.Like the first reviewer, I also saw Replay at the Annapolis Film Festival. There were a number of short films before it; some of them were good and others weren't. Nevertheless, Replay is a solid film that is definitely worth a look.The way Replay is presented is an interesting and unique way. Its the story of two detectives investigating a murder case through a series of security tapes. However, Replay shows the detectives point of views when they are watching the tapes. This gets the audience involved in solving the case with the detectives.There is no doubt that the success of the film comes from the filmmakers. Its a nearly flawless edited film, Sean Murphy(the editor) clearly knew what he was doing. The screenwriters bring some witty comedy into the investigation. The director of the film (I cant remember the name) does an excellent job.Since Replay is always focused on the security tapes, we never get a glimpse of what the two detectives look like. However, the actors are given dialogue to act with and they give personalities to their characters. Even the supporting characters like their boss and the secretary display personalities.Replay does have a flaw and unfortunately its not a small one. There is a scene in the investigation I dont think should have been shown. The scene kind of made the movie predictable in who the guilty one was. Thats the only mistake the filmmakers make, if it were not for that Replay would have received a higher rating. However, it is an entertaining and interesting film.
t2toasty
I stumbled upon this one at the Annapolis Film Festival (who knew?) on a weekend out in "flyover country." But I'm glad I did.The film "Replay" takes you on a mysterious ride using an intriguing new filmmaking trick: the viewer only sees tapes from a security system and listens in as detectives watch the tapes and try to figure out a crime, or if a crime has taken place at all. In other words, the audience participates with the detectives while they do their work. Very cool.
The interest builds quickly as the viewer gets used to this new way of presenting a story, and it draws the audience in even deeper. As you watch the security tapes and listen to the detectives, you follow the many plot twists and possibilities that they discover. I thought we (the detectives and I) had it figured out at least three times, only to be fooled again.
Because you never see the detectives, you might miss some of the wry comedy built-in to the script. But again, that only pulls you closer to the team as you get to know your "partners." You're forced to search for clues just like the detectives, and since you become part of the process, you're pulling for them. You feel frustrated like they do when the plot goes in another direction. The ending had me (and the detectives) totally surprised.
I'd love to see it again just to find more stuff I missed!
AD
