The Minority Report - "Defendor" (2009)

There will always be those movies lost to stingy and reluctant movie companies. “Defendor,” is one of those movies. It was only released in Canadian theaters at first and was premiered at the Toronto International Movie Festival in September of 2009. It then was pulled from being released to American theaters. It was only briefly self-released in theaters in February of 2010, and then finally released on DVD April of 2010. This movie is a masterpiece of sorts. Written and directed by Peter Stebbings (a small time actor) and it truly is his masterpiece. This movie is a swan song of sorts and truly is a brilliant film; you just have to give it a chance.

Woody Harrelson is the driving force behind this emotional driven movie. He plays a mentally unsound individual named Arthur Poppington, who takes up the persona of a super hero named Defendor (spelling error is purposeful). The acting is powerful, yet with an innocent spin, and truly one of Harrelson’s finest works. The supporting actress is Kat Dennings (Nick and Nora’s Infinite Playlist), who shines and truly outdoes herself as a drugged up teenager who befriends Defendor. The two end up in a psychosis fueling relationship, which sends Defendor on a quest to stop “Captain Industry.” The script is artfully spun and heavily set in a dark, gritty reality that does not allow it to fit into one genre. I will say that this movie is not perfect; it is a slow burn and, at times, makes you wonder on a few of the choices the makers did.

This movie was not the best movie I have ever seen, yet it was better than a lot of slop that has been released into theaters lately. This movie deserved a fighting chance or a chance at all—movie movie goers need to experience a unique and touching movie. It was good, bottom line. And if this movie was released into theaters, I believe it would have fared fine and perhaps would have gained a mass of respect, besides such little words the few lucky people who have had the pleasure of observing this theatrical treasure. This movie is nothing like watching paint dry, sure it may have its imperfections and won’t be a lot of people’s favorites, but it is damn good.

By V-Dawg

The Minority Report - "Hard Candy" (2006)

“Strangers shouldn’t talk to little girls.”
This movie is a psychological thriller. But unlike any you have seen. It is not revolutionary as far as the genre goes. It has its shocking, make-you-jump moments, the make-you-cringe moments, and of course the “What the F*$#?!" moments. Now what makes it different is the simplicity and ease these moments come from the unlikely sources. This movie can be summed up in two words, “F*$#ed up.”

Ellen Page ("Juno", "Whip It") plays a fourteen year old girl who likes to chat with older men. One man especially, played by Patrick Wilson ("Lakeview Terrace", "Watchmen"). Some Dateline worthy conversations take place between the two and they eventually meet up. From here the creeper factor just ramps up to disturbing. Then, it hits a hard left turn. The next events will leave you stunned and bothered, exactly what makes a good psychological thriller.

Ellen Page does a great job playing this profound, yet mysterious character. She alludes and has the ability to get under your skin and crawl. Patrick Wilson strikes a good balance of creepy, yet slightly sympathetic. Emotions will be created and change throughout the experience. David Slade (Director of the "Twilight Saga", "30 Days of Night") gets his start in this indie film and out does any of his over budget Twilight work. This is his real element: horror and thrill, not campy and lame. Enough taking low blows to the Twilight Saga and back to “Hard Candy,” this film is a diamond in the rough as far as thrillers go. “Hard Candy” is psychological eye candy. This movie is like watching paint dry, if the paint was creepy, disturbing, but more importantly, unique.

By V-Dawg