After a gory, grisly start, this film turns into a riveting film about a desperate trio traversing the South to reach a small town called Star City. It should be mentioned that the early scenes are not gratuitous---they set a tone of gravity that pervades the film. And they define the characters in an unforgiving way, letting the viewer know exactly what they are capable of.
Billy Bob Thornton plays Ray Malcolm, the man giving the orders as the desperados drive on. Bill Paxton is Dale Dixon, the sheriff of a dusty Arkansas bus stop who secretly wishes for crimes of more import to shake up his predictable life. As the three criminals head his way, Dixon is chaperoning Dud Cole (Jim Metzler) and McFeely (Earl Billings), two L. A. cops who have come to Star City to set up a welcome for Ray Malcolm and friends.
The plot is simple, really. But the film has the gritty feeling of authenticity and plenty of acting that is perfectly understated. As improbable as it sounds, the depiction of Star City and its environs is so captivating in its credibility that one almost wants to suspend the action, to better know the people who live in its diners and drugstores and backyards.
The final scene could have had a more impactful ending, but that is one minor criticism.
Billy Bob Thornton plays Ray Malcolm, the man giving the orders as the desperados drive on. Bill Paxton is Dale Dixon, the sheriff of a dusty Arkansas bus stop who secretly wishes for crimes of more import to shake up his predictable life. As the three criminals head his way, Dixon is chaperoning Dud Cole (Jim Metzler) and McFeely (Earl Billings), two L. A. cops who have come to Star City to set up a welcome for Ray Malcolm and friends.
The plot is simple, really. But the film has the gritty feeling of authenticity and plenty of acting that is perfectly understated. As improbable as it sounds, the depiction of Star City and its environs is so captivating in its credibility that one almost wants to suspend the action, to better know the people who live in its diners and drugstores and backyards.
The final scene could have had a more impactful ending, but that is one minor criticism.