Cast overview, first billed only: | |||
Jon Bernthal | ... | Banzai | |
Bruce McGill | ... | Matty Kopac | |
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Mark Nassar | ... | Scalise |
Charles Malik Whitfield | ... | Owen | |
Elizabeth Rodriguez | ... | Martel | |
John Getz | ... | Captain McClenon | |
Jaime Ray Newman | ... | Ann Marie | |
Chris Williams | ... | Sammy | |
Geoff Pierson | ... | The Mayor | |
Patrick Michael Buckley | ... | Gilly | |
Christina Chang | ... | Robin | |
Patrick Holder | ... | Dicksoft | |
Gary Hudson | ... | Monsignor | |
Michael Perri | ... | Dominic | |
Diane Robin | ... | Karla |
A human story unfolds when detectives aggravated by a major bust gone wrong are forced to deal with a tormented man thrown into the cage after urinating on the Mayor's limo. The explosive combination of character and situation balances intense drama with laugh out loud comedy. Written by Mark Nassar
Halfway through this film, I found myself thinking, "This is like watching a really good play!" (in all the best ways); I researched and realized that yes, the film is based on a theatrical performance called "The Mayor's Limo."
It shows in the performances -- this is a well-acted, well-told drama that takes place one night at the precinct after a homeless man, Banzai, urinates on the Mayor's limo and gets himself locked up for the night. The cops on duty are surly and all- business at first, but as they work to unpack Banzai's backstory, a nuanced tale unfolds - complicated by sudden interest from a nosy reporter and Banzai's unspoken leadership with the local homeless population.
Homelessness and mental illness are treated with a deft touch here, as we begin to uncover Banzai's backstory and figure out who he really is; the human side of police work, when explored sensitively, makes for rich and mineable territory in this genre and A Line in the Sand does not disappoint. A gently used but enjoyably dark sense of humor lend a subtle charm to the story and it's definitely carried by solid performances from some stellar actors.