Frailty

The beauty of this film is in how unassuming it is. I probably passed it a dozen times at the video store before giving in; and there's no doubt my low expectations have helped to elevate the film. My view of cinema has changed considerably since becoming a Christian. I am frankly more interested in stories of redemption and overcoming adversity not because that's what "God wants me to do", but because as spectators we enjoy stories that reflect our own circumstances.

This movie, on the other hand, falls no where near my previous explanation. It's simply a fantastic twisting tale that continues to go in the opposite direction of where you keep insisting it's going, and who can pass up another "aren't Christians crazy" story line. The film is told in flash-backs by Michael McConaughey's character as he tells an FBI agent that he knows the identity of a serial killer whose story is basically summed up in the opening credits; so pay attention.

The story is that of a devoutly religious single father (Bill Paxton)raising two young boys in non-specific rural America. He's is awoken one night from a heavenly visitor informing him that he has been chosen to kill demons that are living among us. The names of these individuals is given to him which he jots down on a small piece of paper, then waits for further instructions. Time goes by and the sincere explanation of his vision to his sons is quickly forgotten as... I don't know, dad's a little idiosyncratic? When the father follows a ray of light beaming from the clouds onto a barn, and finds his divine weapon in the form of a large axe, the dissention of the older son to his father's plans becomes the focal point of the film. Saying anymore would spoil it, but suffice it to say that blood definately flows.

The films only serious shortcoming is casting Booth as the FBI agent. He walks through the part and let's face it, the guy is creepy, and when he's in a movie you know he isn't there as the peaceable anti-hero. McConaughey also walks through it, but little is asked of him. There really aren't any stand out performances, but Matt O'Leary as the unbelieving son shows some serious promise if he can make it out of his teens in Hollywood. This was Bill Paxton's first time behind the camera and I applaud him knowing that. It's too early to tell whether he will be a director, or an actor who also directs, only able to make decent films when a script is gold. I will certainly buy a ticket to his next film to find out.

Fun Fact: Powers Booth's breakthrough role was as Rev. Jim Jones in the television mini-series about the People's Temple. We, the generation stigmitized as much by the mini-series as the actual event, have never gotten over that incredible performance.