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annealperlaw
Reviews
Junction (2012)
Gripping Tale of Suspense
The dramatic initial scene of this film quiets the theater as it renders the audience locked to the story, eyes unable to move from the screen. Things are not as they appear in the village of Venterra Hill, which tags itself as "A Nice Place to Live". The neighborhood has its own security, the lawns are manicured, the homes have a certain curb appeal, even in the gray days of the early winter, when this story seems to take place.
The 4 main characters are seen driving within this neighborhood, their car barely held together by masking tape and string, signifying to this viewer, the emotional disrepair of those who ride inside of that car, themselves barely held together, both individually and as a group. When the decision is made to enter one of these homes, in clear violation of the law, we are shown layers of the 4 would-be bad guys, making it difficult to claim that any character in this film is either completely good or completely bad. This is what appeals to me most; the ability of the writer/director Tony Glazer, to communicate to the audience that there are characteristics within all that are not clear cut and not readily seen based upon the label that may be attached to each of us. Mr. Glazer cleverly uses symbolism throughout the film; using the National Anthem as the doorbell chime of the home, asking the audience, in effect..."Oh say can you see???" while still hinting at what appears to be "The American Dream' gone horribly awry. At another point in this engaging film, the camera pans at least two decorative birds, not with their wings spread, as is the American symbol of freedom, but, rather, birds at rest, simply decorations in a horrific nightmare of the childhood memory of one of the main characters.
Without giving too much away, it is safe to say that this film is engaging from the moment it begins until the minute you are supposed to get up and leave, but find that getting up and leaving in and of itself is difficult. "Junction" is a dark movie, sprinkled with lines that permit the audience to laugh out loud, again mimicking the idea that all is either good or evil. It is those moments of levity that then lead to even darker moments.
I highly recommend this film with the clear warning that adults should view this movie without children present and take away the realization that one person's choice touches the lives of so many. It is a clear reminder to choose wisely while understanding that things are much more than what they seem.