gridoon2018
I am bad at guessing plot twists. They fool me every time. So when I call a plot "predictable", you can bet it is REALLY predictable. Bill Pullman's strangely stiff, constipated performance is partly responsible for telegraphing the "surprise" ending far too early; on the other hand, Julia Ormond is awesome and Pell James is surprisingly likable - and ultimately touching - as a drug addict. The film works best in moments of black comedy, but on the whole it's probably too sick for most viewers' stomachs. Jennifer Lynch seems to share her father's nasty vision of America. At least the alternate ending leaves a slightly less bitter taste in your mouth. ** out of 4.
rrcharpe
This movie shows just how far as a society, which is reflected in its movies, that we have fallen. It is as disgusting and worthless a movie as one could ever possibly image. The pointless blood and gore that fill it and the supposed surprise ending which is simply Freddy Kruger gone hog wild are symptoms of the failure of Hollywood to come up with anything approaching a redeeming movie. To say that this movie sucks would be the understatement of the year. If you watch this and then feel that you enjoyed it then I think that would say a lot about you as a person. I will be seeking to find out who wrote, produced and directed this piece of trash so that in the future I can avoid anything they ever do again. It is a violent retread built on top of a repeat built on top of an endless flow of sickening and disgusting Hollywood movies that are supposed to sicken and shock us into a state where we think we were entertained by the end of the movie. I wasn't! StocktonRob
terminatorjenkins
"Surveillance" was directed by the daughter of David Lynch and the apple does not fall too far from the tree, though Jennifer Lynch might be more accessible than David as far as viewer comprehension of materials goes.The story of "Surveillance" is not as straight forward as many a synopsis would have one believe, but that is because they are trying to refrain from giving away the "twist." The twist itself is a problem as well because it is as predictable as they come and thus the story falls off the plot hinges. The good thing though, is the movie is not relying on plot as a foundation.Mood/atmosphere/tone, it is set in an intriguing, dark fashion and the actors bring excellence to the playground. I think French Stewart brought his A game and Bill Pullman crafted his character perfectly as well.One may take issue with the characters though as the eye we have into this world of happenings seems jaded and insistent on bringing out the bad in everyone. All of the cops in the movie are fairly villainous and it is probably all supposed to meld as a dark comedy of some sort, but not really.The quality of the movie overall is top-notch, it I worth a rental, tough a second viewing is probably not necessary. I did try to watch it a second time and found that the rich performances and dark quirk were not enough to maintain my interest.
jotix100
The story begins with a prologue in which a horrific scene sets the pace for what is about to come later. Later we are taken to a solitary place where a highway is the center of the action. What appears as two patrolmen are taking shots at vehicles moving along a deserted highway. The cops love to shoot at their tires, bringing the cars to a stop. When they get to talk to the people inside, they play games, harassing the unsuspecting passengers that happened to be traveling in the area.In a change of pace, we are taken to a small police station where the bad cops are based, as two FBI agents, Elizabeth Anderson and Sam Hallaway have come to investigate a series of murders along the highway. There are only two survivors, Bobbi, who we saw traveling with the drug addict, and Stephanie, a nine year old girl, who watched her family died. The agents set up the surveillance equipment, then separate the people they are going to interview in separate areas.One thing that one cannot help to notice is the peculiar way Elizabeth, the FBI agent talks to Stephanie. Agent Hallaway monitors what is going on, finally talking to the bad cops. Stephanie, a girl showing an incredible intelligence, is the first one that notices not everything is what is made out to be, as she is able to watch something that triggers a warning signal in her mind. Jennifer Lynch, the director, has been away from the industry after she got terrible reviews for her "Boxing Helena". She made a good decision in letting things cool down. Writing the screenplay with one of the actors in the movie, Kent Harper, proves she can deliver. The film is a sort of crime drama thriller that is, at times, difficult to sit through because of the violence in the picture. What Ms. Lynch accomplished was an excellent ensemble play with an extraordinary performance by Julia Ormond, who shows she can deliver on the early promise she showed. A nervous Bill Pullman shows the FBI agent had a lot at stake when he came to the station. Ryan Simkins surprises with her Stephanie, a nice turn by such a small girl. Also impressive Pell James, who is seen as Bobbi. Kent Harper, the dirty cop, has some excellent moments.
AD
