Like the only guy at a party who doesn’t get the joke, I’m wondering what it is about J.C. Chandor’s A Most Violent Year that I’m missing. Riding a wave of good reviews (the film is trending 90% positive on the Rotten Tomatoes website) as well A24 Studio’s aggressive ad campaign which failed to garner it any Oscar nominations, I’m left scratching my head wondering what all the fuss is about. At best, it’s a competently made movie featuring sound performances that covers familiar territory at a ponderous pace. However, from where I’m sitting, it’s hardly a film worth falling all over yourself about.
While Morales should be seen in a heroic light for striving to maintain his morality amidst a sea of temptation, the actor fails to bring an iota of charisma to the role, leaving us to wonder why Anna would give this rather dull man the time of day and why we should be interested in his fate. As for me, I couldn’t help wondering what else I could be doing instead of waiting for Chadnor to find a sense of urgency with which to tell his tale.
Chuck's Movie Picks 