Was there uneven acting? Absolutely! Was it believable in every twist and turn of the dialog? Not really. Yet, this movie is a prime example of the sum being bigger than it's parts. Even if the acting is at times waaay overwrought, and the changes in the mood of the conversation occasionally seemed artificial, it still worked for three reasons: 1) The characters, even if not totally believable, were interesting 2) you couldn't predict where the movie was going, and 3) it never got pretentious. If you can handle the movie's shortcomings, ie disregard some of overacting, this movie is, with what very little it actually has beyond a GREAT concept and story, and mediocre execution, immensely entertaining, and ultimately works because at least some of the gripes that you might have underway, makes sense at the end. Had the acting been better, and some of the more outrageous turns in the conversation been cut or altered, this movie could have been a masterpiece, but as it is, still ends up being more than worth seeing.
9 Reviews
Good Story Idea But Slow Paced with Minimal Tension
tdwillis-262731 July 2017
Choreography opens by following the characters as they drive thru some beautiful country, but most of the movie is filmed at night from inside of a S.U.V. Camera use was very well done within this limited setting.
Score had a 1980's movie of the week sound to it, but unlike many B movies, the sound and editing was very well done.
The script was often simplistic and unrealistic exacerbated during scenes when the acting was stiff and sub par, oddly alternating between times when the script was serious/meaningful and the acting was melodramatic. There were glimpses from both actors of genuine talent, especially from Lawrence-Hilton Jacobs, but neither was consistent.
The pace is slow. The story is presented by these two characters talking with each other as they are travelling. The only "tension" and/or build up comes from the oddity of one of the characters. At first it is an innocent oddity, and so the tension is minimal. Although it attempts to "escalate" tension by introducing a gun and other character behaviors to make us question whether that oddity is dangerous, it is never punched thru strongly enough so there remains very minimal tension. (until the last 15 minutes)
An hour into the movie (the film is only an hour and 20 minutes long) I still had no idea what the meaning of the movie was, where it was going or why. The last 15 minutes, what I thought the purpose was, is revealed.
Then the twist. Which was the smartest part of the movie, but it takes up about 2 minutes of the film.
It wasn't a bad idea, and it is unique. But after an hour spent with these two characters and still not able to feel genuinely connected or caring towards them, the ending fell flat for me.
Score had a 1980's movie of the week sound to it, but unlike many B movies, the sound and editing was very well done.
The script was often simplistic and unrealistic exacerbated during scenes when the acting was stiff and sub par, oddly alternating between times when the script was serious/meaningful and the acting was melodramatic. There were glimpses from both actors of genuine talent, especially from Lawrence-Hilton Jacobs, but neither was consistent.
The pace is slow. The story is presented by these two characters talking with each other as they are travelling. The only "tension" and/or build up comes from the oddity of one of the characters. At first it is an innocent oddity, and so the tension is minimal. Although it attempts to "escalate" tension by introducing a gun and other character behaviors to make us question whether that oddity is dangerous, it is never punched thru strongly enough so there remains very minimal tension. (until the last 15 minutes)
An hour into the movie (the film is only an hour and 20 minutes long) I still had no idea what the meaning of the movie was, where it was going or why. The last 15 minutes, what I thought the purpose was, is revealed.
Then the twist. Which was the smartest part of the movie, but it takes up about 2 minutes of the film.
It wasn't a bad idea, and it is unique. But after an hour spent with these two characters and still not able to feel genuinely connected or caring towards them, the ending fell flat for me.
Deserves a higher rating...
JoeytheBrit21 May 2007
Warning: Spoilers
30 Miles is a film that has clearly been made on a tiny budget, but the evidence isn't found in poor acting or cheap sets, but more from the fact that 90% of the action takes place in the front seat of an SUV. And most of that takes place at night, so most of the film could have been shot in someone's garage for all we know. This isn't a bad thing: the claustrophobic feel of the set adds to the uneasiness that weaves in and out of Cliff Gober's script. The actors are of an acceptable quality, although both were prone to over-emoting at times, and the film's twist, while going a long way towards explaining the behaviour of one of the characters is effective until you start thinking about it poor Ernie/Paul could have died of thirst in the desert (which would have achieved his objective when you think about it) before he found a suitable accomplice. Given it's two-man and largely one-set scenario, this is probably more suited to a one-hour TV play format than a movie even given its relatively short running time. The readiness of both characters to bare their souls so readily also grates a little. This is still worth a look though, and shows how a reasonably intelligent and well-written script can make up for lack of budget.
Its a car crash
wildblueyonder7 September 2018
Somehow couldn't take my eyes off this movie. Some person's strange idea of what characters they envision might actually act like.
An idea that bears no resemblance to reality. Its a sorta childish attempt at something deep and meaningful, but its so contrived that I just kept watching it in amazement, wondering what simpleton put it together.
It reminds me, actually, of this pathological liar I once worked with, that would concoct the most ridiculous transparent lies in order to avoid simple tasks, lies so absurd that I felt actually bad for him, to wonder what world he lived in that he could dream this stuff up and then actually try and execute it.
It was somehow mildly entertaining, I did actually watch the whole thing... Like I said, a car crash.
An idea that bears no resemblance to reality. Its a sorta childish attempt at something deep and meaningful, but its so contrived that I just kept watching it in amazement, wondering what simpleton put it together.
It reminds me, actually, of this pathological liar I once worked with, that would concoct the most ridiculous transparent lies in order to avoid simple tasks, lies so absurd that I felt actually bad for him, to wonder what world he lived in that he could dream this stuff up and then actually try and execute it.
It was somehow mildly entertaining, I did actually watch the whole thing... Like I said, a car crash.
This movie was so bad that I felt cheated out of my three dollars
LamontSmith1 September 2006
I am not in the habit of writing a review for a film that I don't like but I was honestly shocked at how horrible this movie was.
I couldn't tell what was more atrocious. The horrible acting or the laughable script. I love the idea that Lawrence Hilton-Jacobs is finally getting a starring vehicle but his performance here made me see why he never took off in Hollywood. It was truly THAT bad.
The writing was wooden and incredible. Normal people don't speak like these guys did. They go from laughing to crying to anger in minutes. Why would you beg a hitchhiker to get back in your car after 20 minutes of driving? Why would you reveal such incriminating details of your life story after knowing someone for an hour? Why would you allow a stranger with a gun in your car?
Horrible. And the camera work didn't help, either. I'm no expert but here's a tip: when showing a gritty, close up scene, try taking the camera off sticks and going hand-held to get an edgier, more nervous feel. I felt like I was watching public access theater for a while there.
Overall, this is a good concept for a film. The execution, however, drowned the story in a sea of amateurish and obvious mistakes that kids in their second month of film school are warned against.
I wish the actors and crew of this film long, fruitful careers in the entertainment industry but you'll need to bury the masters of this stinker for that to occur. Two words: Alan Smithee.
I couldn't tell what was more atrocious. The horrible acting or the laughable script. I love the idea that Lawrence Hilton-Jacobs is finally getting a starring vehicle but his performance here made me see why he never took off in Hollywood. It was truly THAT bad.
The writing was wooden and incredible. Normal people don't speak like these guys did. They go from laughing to crying to anger in minutes. Why would you beg a hitchhiker to get back in your car after 20 minutes of driving? Why would you reveal such incriminating details of your life story after knowing someone for an hour? Why would you allow a stranger with a gun in your car?
Horrible. And the camera work didn't help, either. I'm no expert but here's a tip: when showing a gritty, close up scene, try taking the camera off sticks and going hand-held to get an edgier, more nervous feel. I felt like I was watching public access theater for a while there.
Overall, this is a good concept for a film. The execution, however, drowned the story in a sea of amateurish and obvious mistakes that kids in their second month of film school are warned against.
I wish the actors and crew of this film long, fruitful careers in the entertainment industry but you'll need to bury the masters of this stinker for that to occur. Two words: Alan Smithee.
Strange and wonderful little film.
mgs4real15 November 2005
Warning: Spoilers
Strange and wonderful little film. Two characters. A simple dialog. 99% of the film takes place in the front seat of an SUV. And yet this film had me from the first frame. I found myself watching every nuance of expression, listening to every word, seeking insights to the characters, as these two characters unfolded their lives, letting down their guards, little by little, until the final climactic unexpected moment. Sorry for those who didn't catch the beauty in this small tale. One of those little films I'd never heard of like "Rush Hour" with Danny Aiello and "Around The Bend" with Christopher Walken and Michael Caine, which I simply discovered on the walls of my local video store and which apparently didn't make it to the big screen on the west coast....."30 Miles" is definitely worth the see. I gave it a "10" more because I wanted to weight the vote so more people might watch this neatly tied together little piece.
Great Movie.. Somehow
trapper-hell1 February 2007
Warning: Spoilers
30 Miles is a movie based entirely on two characters: 'Ernie' {Rusty Gray} and Anthony {Lawrence-Hilton Jacobs}. Two complete strangers meet in the not so common circumstances where Ernie's car breaks up and waits all day to get a lift. This is where Anthony comes in, as a kind and caring person decides to help poor Ernie.
Other than that 90% of the movie is based in Anthony's SUV where they are having a deep conversation (really deep in fact). Talking from experience this was pretty boring and seemed irrelevant but I advise that you should pay attention to almost every detail specified (even if you don't pay attention you'll still be able to follow up just great) but it's better if you try to understand the dialog especially Ernie's persistent questioning.
Believe me, the ending was just great and it compensates for all the possibly dull moments. You will than understand Paul's (who's Paul?) masterpiece plan. I would recommend this movie for anyone (exluding those that only seek to watch action movies).
In my opinion this was a great movie even though to it's complete simplicity. Contrary to a sci-fi movie leaving viewers awed with the wonderful editing and content, this will amuse the viewers with it's quality and moral.
Other than that 90% of the movie is based in Anthony's SUV where they are having a deep conversation (really deep in fact). Talking from experience this was pretty boring and seemed irrelevant but I advise that you should pay attention to almost every detail specified (even if you don't pay attention you'll still be able to follow up just great) but it's better if you try to understand the dialog especially Ernie's persistent questioning.
Believe me, the ending was just great and it compensates for all the possibly dull moments. You will than understand Paul's (who's Paul?) masterpiece plan. I would recommend this movie for anyone (exluding those that only seek to watch action movies).
In my opinion this was a great movie even though to it's complete simplicity. Contrary to a sci-fi movie leaving viewers awed with the wonderful editing and content, this will amuse the viewers with it's quality and moral.
Good Thriller
jr-2044 November 2005
This was a good thriller with Lawerence Hilton Jacobs originally from the TV show Welcome Back Carter. He has come a long way in his acting. Although this movie is titled 30 Miles it covers a lot of action in this hour and a half movie. You are always left wondering who is the good guy and who is the bad guy! The scenes between the two passengers jumps back and forth between intense confrontations and male bonding. I never guessed the ending but WOW what an ending. I would recommend this movie to rent or buy. I found this movie at Blockbuster and will plan on renting more of this type of movie. Another movie I plan on renting next is Severed Ties. This is about two brothers caught in a moral dilemma.
I am so glad that a film like this was made.
Rksch4444 April 2007
This film is a perfect example of how entertaining a film can be without all of the Hollywood "tricks" like gratuitous violence, gratuitous sex and overkill with special effects. These film makers are very brave and I applaud them. Everyone involved in this project was "working without a net" and they succeeded masterfully. A thought provoking script and riveting performances that kept me on the edge of my seat and guessing what will come next. I know this was a low budget, art house film. They didn't have "A" list talent, or all of the bells and whistles of a major studio release. But they made an entertaining, thought provoking psychological thriller out of words and basically 2 guys in a car. Very brave! I hope more people have a chance to see this film. Well done!
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