- Title: Deadfall
- IMDB: link
After the robbery of an Indian casino a car wreck in the wilderness leaves one member of the crew dead and a brother and sister (Eric Bana, Olivia Wilde) on the run from the law as the snow continues to fall. Deciding to split up after killing a State Trooper who had the bad luck to find their car wreck, each make their own way in the storm.
The other major thread of the story involves a recently released convict (Charlie Hunnam) hiding from the law after killing his former boxing promoter only hours after being released. On his way to his childhood home, Jay (Hunnam) runs across a nearly frozen Liza (Wilde) and, despite not needing any other complications, saves her from the blizzard. Using her feminine wiles Liza soon has the man wrapped around her finger, but she after developing feelings for Jay has second thoughts about using him to make it to his parents’ (Kris Kristofferson, Sissy Spacek) farm near the Candian border and her eventual freedom.
Meanwhile, Liza’s brother kills his way through the blizzard in a series of ridiculous skirmishes to make his way to the same farmhouse for one hell of an awkward Thanksgiving dinner, especially after the truth of the siblings’ relationship is uncovered and Hanna (Kate Mara), the Sheriff’s daughter and Deputy, shows up to question the family about the murder of Jay’s former trainer.
Even though there are pieces of Deadfall that work, the movie can’t overcome it’s poorly written script and characters which include the largest rural community Sheriff’s office you’ll likely to ever see (and staffed with laughably stupid, ignorant, chauvinist pigs – all of whom get their just desserts). Treat Williams is slumming here as the county’s Sheriff, and head chauvinist dickhead, who treats his daughter worse than audiences see most pimps treat hookers in Hollywood movies.
The cops are ridiculous parodies played straight, Mara is stuck in a completely thankless role, and Bana is one-note throughout and largely forgettable. The role of Liza allows Wilde room to stretch as an actress, but (even though she’s the best thing about the movie) she’s really miscast here. The role actually needs a young Holly Hunter to have any chance to make the movie work, but even if one could have been found the film would still have no end of script problems to solve.
Available on DVD, Blu-ray, and a Blu-ray & DVD Combo Pack, the movie’s extras include interviews from Wilde, Bana, and director Stefan Ruzowitzky, behind-the-scenes featurettes, and the film’s trailer.
[Magnolia Home Entertainment, Blu-ray $29.98 / DVD $26.98 / Blu-ray & DVD Combo $32.98]