The Reckoning (I) (2007) User Reviews

Beautifully done

[Llyane · 10/10 · 7 October 2008]

I was shocked when I saw, after the screening at Indie Can Film Festival, that the film is actually only over 20 minutes. It feels like an entire life experience somehow fit in this short time: the characters have a strong arc and the very compelling story is smoothly unveiled.

Writing and directing are masterful and acting is simply sweet! Sorry for my bias, I'm just an actor :)

Thank you for bringing this film to the festival! I wish to the producers to open all the doors with it, and I will do what stays in my power to promote it.

Two thumbs up!

Llyane Stanfield

Actor / Producer

Beautifully written and portrayed.

[info-275-650971 · 9/10 · 17 December 2012]

A story that exists behind deep-rooted experiences of many men who suffer in silence is told here with unyielding sensitivity and portrayed beautifully by its characters, especially through protagonist "Bobbie" portrayed by Steve Braun (Wrong Turn 2, The Closer).

Braun adeptly portrays an emotionally scarred man on the edge of himself and one can see the pain in his eyes when he confronts the man who betrayed him, played by Jack McGee (Moneyball, Crash).

My hat's off to writer, Rob Lawe, for penning a 20 minute screenplay that instantly establishes strong characters, goals and conflict (never an easy undertaking in a short). He also manages to write without a fatbelly of exposition, allowing the story to unfold naturally and cinematically despite its short run time - and it's beautiful to watch. It's a winning combination of slick storytelling and cinematic prowess from Shane Hulburt (Act of Valor). Lawe's quite-obvious avoidance of clichés (often so tempting with such subject matter) makes me feel respected and rewarded as its audience.

An emotional twist makes an effective midpoint and break into Act Three and keeps up the pacing and the resolution is also a beautiful component in this bitter-sweet short film. Beautiful work.

Shaun Peter Cunningham. Actor, Producer, Writer (Picto Films)