27 reviews
wasnt a bad film, had a powerful message albeit presented in a often cliche'd form. i especially liked the philosophy of where the devil went wrong with Job....all in all, a good film with solid performances by the leading men.
- afiakya_465
- Apr 11, 2001
- Permalink
"Shadow Hours" is a well shot, well acted, impatient B-flick which gets moving quickly and keeps up the momentum throughout. Although the film is a journeyman production at best, it creates a curious mystique by asking more questions than it answers and keeps the audience guessing to the end and beyond. Weller's character is particularly compelling as he mentors a recovering addict, Getty, on life with a series of tours through the decadent underbelly of Los Angeles nightlife. Not for everyone, some will find this film provocative and will be looking forward to better offerings from this auteur in the future.
When I catch this, one thing is certain: this is Peter Weller's movie. His presence is freaky whether playing Russian Roulette or betting on underground fights. BZAR Getty does all right keeping up but is more of a standout when talking to the other players. The supporting players were good considering what they had to work with. I was shocked to see Brad Dourif look somewhat normal. I will also say I was glad Rebecca Gayheart got some much needed work after that accident that killed that kid. Regarding the writing, aside from some choice one-liners (I've seen stuff that makes Dante's Inferno read like Winnie the Pooh) it's OK at best.
If it's on cable and are an insomniac (like Getty in this film), give a glance.
If it's on cable and are an insomniac (like Getty in this film), give a glance.
- movieman_stl
- Sep 14, 2005
- Permalink
The devil feeds from your weaknesses and enstills good in temptation. "Shadow Hours" definitely understands this, and shows an interesting Lucifer who dwells in the seedy underworld of Los Angelos.
To say the least, I wasn't blown away by the story's originality, but director Isaac H. Eaton has some brilliant style tricks to keep it fun and intriguing. He is an adroit director working with a mediocre script, and the results are surprisingly good.
Balthazaar Ghetty plays Michael Halloway, a recovering alcoholic who tries to support himself as well as his wife Chloe by working at a seedy gas station on graveyard shift. In this environment, he's bound to see some interesting things. It seems everyone who comes through has exhausted themselves with something...most likely some sort of sin. They are all running on empty as they scurry through the night. There are wonderful sequences where gas meters rise as different things happen, communicating this theme perfectly.
Anyway, he runs into a mugger and a homeless man (who symbolizes his bottom of the barrel outlook), but most importantly, a writer named Stuart Chappell (played by Peter Weller, in easily one of his best performances). Chappell has a strange fixation on Michael, and he takes care of him, clothing him with nice suits, and giving him tons of money to gamble. From the start, it is obvious this guy's a little shady, however. He neglects the fact that Michael is recovering on AA and influences him to start drinking again. Soon, he plunges Michael into a truly harrowing underworld of fight clubs, gambling, drugs and sex.
In one of the most disturbing scenes of recent memory, they go to a bondage club where people get sadomasochistic pleasure from torture. At first, I was angry that Eaton would use this smut to manipulate his audience into feeling shocked (like how Todd Solondz did in his terrible film "Happiness"). Then I realized, Chappell, a satan figure, is indeed masochistic in that he feeds off his victim's pain. Little did Michael know as he looked at these twisted acts, that he was being used as a partner to Chappell's atrocity.
When Michael becomes closer with Chappell, he realizes how much of a lie this man really is. But the perks of being with him are too great, and soon Michael goes too deep into the dark side, hurting Chloe and damaging the new life he forged after leaving AA. I didn't like how the film ends. It takes an easy (and largely taken) way out, keeping itself on a level of simplicity. I believe Eaton is a genius director, but he sells himself short in "Shadow Hours".
I did like a lot of things in this film. I loved the performances by Getty (who also produced), and more so Peter Weller. He plays Stuart as attractive, fun and seemingly caring, but always dark somewhere deep. I liked how the story was paced and told, but it is lacking in overall freshness.
(2 and 1/2 out of 4)
To say the least, I wasn't blown away by the story's originality, but director Isaac H. Eaton has some brilliant style tricks to keep it fun and intriguing. He is an adroit director working with a mediocre script, and the results are surprisingly good.
Balthazaar Ghetty plays Michael Halloway, a recovering alcoholic who tries to support himself as well as his wife Chloe by working at a seedy gas station on graveyard shift. In this environment, he's bound to see some interesting things. It seems everyone who comes through has exhausted themselves with something...most likely some sort of sin. They are all running on empty as they scurry through the night. There are wonderful sequences where gas meters rise as different things happen, communicating this theme perfectly.
Anyway, he runs into a mugger and a homeless man (who symbolizes his bottom of the barrel outlook), but most importantly, a writer named Stuart Chappell (played by Peter Weller, in easily one of his best performances). Chappell has a strange fixation on Michael, and he takes care of him, clothing him with nice suits, and giving him tons of money to gamble. From the start, it is obvious this guy's a little shady, however. He neglects the fact that Michael is recovering on AA and influences him to start drinking again. Soon, he plunges Michael into a truly harrowing underworld of fight clubs, gambling, drugs and sex.
In one of the most disturbing scenes of recent memory, they go to a bondage club where people get sadomasochistic pleasure from torture. At first, I was angry that Eaton would use this smut to manipulate his audience into feeling shocked (like how Todd Solondz did in his terrible film "Happiness"). Then I realized, Chappell, a satan figure, is indeed masochistic in that he feeds off his victim's pain. Little did Michael know as he looked at these twisted acts, that he was being used as a partner to Chappell's atrocity.
When Michael becomes closer with Chappell, he realizes how much of a lie this man really is. But the perks of being with him are too great, and soon Michael goes too deep into the dark side, hurting Chloe and damaging the new life he forged after leaving AA. I didn't like how the film ends. It takes an easy (and largely taken) way out, keeping itself on a level of simplicity. I believe Eaton is a genius director, but he sells himself short in "Shadow Hours".
I did like a lot of things in this film. I loved the performances by Getty (who also produced), and more so Peter Weller. He plays Stuart as attractive, fun and seemingly caring, but always dark somewhere deep. I liked how the story was paced and told, but it is lacking in overall freshness.
(2 and 1/2 out of 4)
I especially like this one movie. It completely got me on the screen. It's a story about a ex-alcoholic/drug addict that works in a gas station by night. He has a wife and is starting a new life, but a guy starts to approach him and making him offers of lusty and desirable things. We then enter the world of this rich guy, a world of music clubs, girls, drugs and much more. A really entertaining night world, that can easily temptate anyone.
This film is also somewhat well directed for the kind of film that is. It's a film worth seeing for everyone i think.
This film is also somewhat well directed for the kind of film that is. It's a film worth seeing for everyone i think.
- Metal_Hammer
- Feb 21, 2003
- Permalink
This ultimately pointless little excursion into perversion starts out promisingly enough: desperate ex-cokester (Balthazar Getty) with pregnant wife working the night shift at a sleazy gas station seeks something, ANYthing, to offer escape from his dreary, drugless, thrill-less existence. Enter Peter Weller (Robo Cop himself!), driving the sleek car, wearing the sleek clothes, walkin' the sleek walk and talkin' the sleekest talk poor Balthazar's ever heard.
Naturally, he follows his new bud off into the night and is taken on a depraved journey that perversely fills his void. In no time he's back on the blow, of course, and he's also addicted to his new best friend, who continuously ups the ante (best friend that he is) by exposing Balthazar to deeper, more depraved kicks. (There's a lot of s&m activity, people suspended by hooks, that sort of thing, and there's a fight club scenario, and of course there has to be Russian Roulette - what would depravity be without Russian Roulette, I ask you.)
Robo's doing this, you see (or rather he TELLS us) so Little Balthy can hit rock bottom and rise from his ashes, purified and reborn, blah blah blah. This would be good, if it actually happened - catharsis is Number One in MY book. However, by the time this sordid sleaze plays itself to its crazed conclusion, NOTHING is really changed, there is no real catharsis for our 'hero' (and I use the word VERY loosely here), and we don't even know whether Robo has actually committed the murders that have been taking place throughout the proceedings. By this time, though, guess what? You don't care! You just want to crawl into a clean, safe bed somewhere and sleep it off.
Naturally, he follows his new bud off into the night and is taken on a depraved journey that perversely fills his void. In no time he's back on the blow, of course, and he's also addicted to his new best friend, who continuously ups the ante (best friend that he is) by exposing Balthazar to deeper, more depraved kicks. (There's a lot of s&m activity, people suspended by hooks, that sort of thing, and there's a fight club scenario, and of course there has to be Russian Roulette - what would depravity be without Russian Roulette, I ask you.)
Robo's doing this, you see (or rather he TELLS us) so Little Balthy can hit rock bottom and rise from his ashes, purified and reborn, blah blah blah. This would be good, if it actually happened - catharsis is Number One in MY book. However, by the time this sordid sleaze plays itself to its crazed conclusion, NOTHING is really changed, there is no real catharsis for our 'hero' (and I use the word VERY loosely here), and we don't even know whether Robo has actually committed the murders that have been taking place throughout the proceedings. By this time, though, guess what? You don't care! You just want to crawl into a clean, safe bed somewhere and sleep it off.
Offbeat thriller starring the rather wonderful Peter Weller ('Naked Lunch') and cult actor Peter Greene. Skillful casting but not super strong, when you compare to some of their previous films. The supernatural twist makes for an atmospheric night time view. Sweet dreams folks.
- RatedVforVinny
- Nov 30, 2019
- Permalink
My girlfriend and I found this in a DVD shop for £2. She'd never heard of it before, but I remembered reading a review of it a few years ago in Empire. They said it was like a very low-budget Fight Club. This film isn't as stylish as it would like to be, but it's still enjoyable. The performances were all pretty good. It was good to see Peter Weller playing this kind of character after seeing him as Robocop and Brad Dourif was great as usual. I would have probably been a little disappointed if I'd rented this, but having only paid £2 to buy it, I'm not complaining. One to watch when you've had a few beers and there's nothing on TV.
- KingPhilth
- Aug 9, 2005
- Permalink
Shadow Hours is the story of a recovering addict trying to get his life back together and prepare for the birth of his son. Michael (Getty) gets a job working the graveyard shift at a gas station where he meets Stuart (Weller) they soon become friends and begin to hang out at various strip clubs and other seedy places in the underbelly of LA. Michael soon realizes that Stuart is a psycho and maybe a serial killer. Shadow Hours is a decent into madness that leaves the viewer disturbed and very entertained. Sure its goofy, but I love it. BZAR rocks. Check it out!
I'm a tough sell when it comes to contemporary American films, and have
turned almost exclusively to watching foreign films or classics (ie: loved "Night of the Iguana;" admire Hitchcock), but when my 15 year old grabbed "Shadow Hours" off the shelf I thought I'd give it a shot for the sake of mother\daughter movie night.
Smart writing (a bloody rare attribute), terrific acting, fabulous score and a film noir look--I was hooked. Loved the jump cut gas station scenes, the crazies, the repetition of certain phrases/themes, the progressive descent into urban madness, and, Oh, Lordy, that Moby piece that tied it together at the end.
I've watched it twice, the second time with my husband, who is recommending it to fellow 'good film' afficionados, and so on, and so on...
Interesting to read B'zar Getty's bio. Note the tattoos on his hand in the film - they're the real deal.
turned almost exclusively to watching foreign films or classics (ie: loved "Night of the Iguana;" admire Hitchcock), but when my 15 year old grabbed "Shadow Hours" off the shelf I thought I'd give it a shot for the sake of mother\daughter movie night.
Smart writing (a bloody rare attribute), terrific acting, fabulous score and a film noir look--I was hooked. Loved the jump cut gas station scenes, the crazies, the repetition of certain phrases/themes, the progressive descent into urban madness, and, Oh, Lordy, that Moby piece that tied it together at the end.
I've watched it twice, the second time with my husband, who is recommending it to fellow 'good film' afficionados, and so on, and so on...
Interesting to read B'zar Getty's bio. Note the tattoos on his hand in the film - they're the real deal.
I have a habit of briefly skimming over the descriptions of a movie on the reverse side of the box, so when I rented it, I thought I was renting a supernatural thriller (the box cover itself looks to have a supernatural aspect to it). Well, it was not even close.
But still, it was a watchable movie. It was interesting seeing the gritty underworld of the city, especially since I'm from a small town of 15 - 16,000 people. Peter Weller performed quite well, although I enjoyed his performances more in the Robocop movies and Screamers. Balthazar Getty also did a bang-up job as well as a former druggie and alcoholic. One question though: how in the world was this character able to snag a wife like Rebecca Gayheart??!! That part, I must say, seems unrealistic and/or unfair.
All in all, it was a watchable movie, but I probably would never watch it twice. Oh, and for all of you homophobic guys out there, this movie has a few scenes of male strippers in it. Blech!
But still, it was a watchable movie. It was interesting seeing the gritty underworld of the city, especially since I'm from a small town of 15 - 16,000 people. Peter Weller performed quite well, although I enjoyed his performances more in the Robocop movies and Screamers. Balthazar Getty also did a bang-up job as well as a former druggie and alcoholic. One question though: how in the world was this character able to snag a wife like Rebecca Gayheart??!! That part, I must say, seems unrealistic and/or unfair.
All in all, it was a watchable movie, but I probably would never watch it twice. Oh, and for all of you homophobic guys out there, this movie has a few scenes of male strippers in it. Blech!
Except Michael Bun, my dad, was never a drug addict, wealthy successful retired land grader with a Family Trucking Co. That was Michael Boo, Chris Bowl's meth business partner and the people in Riviera Beach. My mother was never pregnant, they adopted 2 girls, my sister and I. My mom remarried, straight laced, all American white, wealthy family. Never had any problems with the law, my dad James worked for the Govt, in fact so did generations of his family, firefighters. Still do. We don't have problems with drugs or alcohol California, would you like to talk about yours?
Love,
Stuart Little.
Love,
Stuart Little.
- Aurora0ctane
- Oct 29, 2024
- Permalink
It is a shame that Shadow Hours is kind of one of those rare thrillers that may have been sorta ignored during it's release, but it is perhaps one of the likable thrillers I have seen in recent years. Director and writer Isaac Eaton did a rather fine job at creating tension and keeping me interested through the story.
Balthazar Getty in my opinion has been rather too underrated in films. This talented young actor did a good turning point here in Shadow Hours as the troubled Michael. Trying to straighten out his life, Michael has a new wife (Rebecca Gayheart) and a child on the way. He gets a job during the night shift and encounters a mysterious man named Stuart, (creepily portrayed by Peter Weller). They become close friends and they begin to experiment in the terrible parts of the city and Michael begins going downhill. Eventually Michael learns that Stuart could be a sociopath and he has to fight against him to get back to his life again.
Shadow Hours should very well be viewed for those that are fans and are inspired by this kind of genre. The film also has a familiar cast in cameo appearances that include Peter Greene, Richard Moll (of TV's Night Court) and Oscar nominees Frederic Forrest and Brad Dourif.
Balthazar Getty in my opinion has been rather too underrated in films. This talented young actor did a good turning point here in Shadow Hours as the troubled Michael. Trying to straighten out his life, Michael has a new wife (Rebecca Gayheart) and a child on the way. He gets a job during the night shift and encounters a mysterious man named Stuart, (creepily portrayed by Peter Weller). They become close friends and they begin to experiment in the terrible parts of the city and Michael begins going downhill. Eventually Michael learns that Stuart could be a sociopath and he has to fight against him to get back to his life again.
Shadow Hours should very well be viewed for those that are fans and are inspired by this kind of genre. The film also has a familiar cast in cameo appearances that include Peter Greene, Richard Moll (of TV's Night Court) and Oscar nominees Frederic Forrest and Brad Dourif.
Shadow Hours is the best movie Balthazar Getty has done since Lost Highway and is also probably the best movie Peter Weller has done since Robocop. Anyone who has spent considerable time within a major city nightlife scene will be able to identify with this movie. People who also like a film to leave a few questions unanswered will also probably get a kick out of Shadow Hours.
The film has a great look to it, this film is so much slicker looking than any recent mainstream or indie film in the past few years. This is probably the slickest looking movie Ive seen since Blade. Kudos to the director and dp. The soundtrack is top notch as well. Weller is in top form here, his unique look and commanding voice really make his character. Getty gives a good performance as well. The cast of supporting characters is really amazing. Every few minutes you will see a familiar face pop up in a small role.
The only small problem I have with the film is that a few scenes referenced other movies a little too blatantly, but the film's main story is very original and intrigueing. Overall it is a great little movie with alot of style and a thought provoking story. It was great to see a movie made for adults compared to all the pg-13 bland entertainment that the gutless hollywood studios have been releasing lately.
This film is no direct to video cheapie my friends.
The film has a great look to it, this film is so much slicker looking than any recent mainstream or indie film in the past few years. This is probably the slickest looking movie Ive seen since Blade. Kudos to the director and dp. The soundtrack is top notch as well. Weller is in top form here, his unique look and commanding voice really make his character. Getty gives a good performance as well. The cast of supporting characters is really amazing. Every few minutes you will see a familiar face pop up in a small role.
The only small problem I have with the film is that a few scenes referenced other movies a little too blatantly, but the film's main story is very original and intrigueing. Overall it is a great little movie with alot of style and a thought provoking story. It was great to see a movie made for adults compared to all the pg-13 bland entertainment that the gutless hollywood studios have been releasing lately.
This film is no direct to video cheapie my friends.
- GETSOMEFILM
- Jan 12, 2001
- Permalink
I started watching Shadow Hours one evening on Foxtel (Australia). Pretty soon I realized that I had to watch it all the way through as the suspense regarding the mysterious rich man (Stuart) kept on building. The movie is about a journey of a young man (Holloway) in to the very dark side of city's night life with that mysterious rich man. Holloway was a former drug addict and is supporting his wife pregnant with their first child by working through grave yard shift on a petrol station (yes we call it petrol in Australia :). He gets acquainted with a rich guy who takes him to very strange clubs and places. That sparks a battle of conscious within Holloway and he finally manages to get out of way by following a rather hard way.
The movie reminded me of 8mm in which Nicholas Cage goes deep in to the dark and ugly of porn, gambling and some very psycho stuff in pursuit of a missing girl. Shadow Hours also takes us to all these sick places where at first you will not understand that what kind of people would want to go through that sickening lifestyle. But, If you think a bit more that probably you will realize that most of the people who hang around these places and gets abused by people like Stuart are mentally ill and are probably not accepted by the society. By hanging around such places people like Holloway who often are at borderline of sanity can be influenced in a terrible way. Anyway the movie was entertaining and thought provoking and I will recommend it to all people who liked 8mm.
The movie reminded me of 8mm in which Nicholas Cage goes deep in to the dark and ugly of porn, gambling and some very psycho stuff in pursuit of a missing girl. Shadow Hours also takes us to all these sick places where at first you will not understand that what kind of people would want to go through that sickening lifestyle. But, If you think a bit more that probably you will realize that most of the people who hang around these places and gets abused by people like Stuart are mentally ill and are probably not accepted by the society. By hanging around such places people like Holloway who often are at borderline of sanity can be influenced in a terrible way. Anyway the movie was entertaining and thought provoking and I will recommend it to all people who liked 8mm.
When I sat down to watch this movie, I was really expecting a serious B movie, with the low production value and all. The movie really wow-ed me, but it wasn't just the high production value that got me, it was the writing, directing and acting. The script and direction (both courtesy of new comer Isaac H. Eaton) were great. I watched the movie because of Peter Weller, king of all B-Movies. I was more than impressed by his performance (a definate stand out among this cast, or any for that matter) and the rest of the main cast was great too. Interresting to see Peter Greene as a good guy, and B'Zar and Rebecca Gayheart were perfect. All in all, this movie is more than enough entertainment for a friday night, I throughly enjoyed it and recommend it highly. Without hesitation I give it 10/10.
If you thought the bizarre and errie world of THE CELL was scary and weird, you haven't seen nothing yet. SHADOW HOURS takes the viewer into the dark and seedy world that does exist, in Los Angeles. From night clubs, to tourture clubs, to drug
culture, to fight clubs, the viewer doesn't really miss much of what else is dark in the city. Balthazar Getty (who looks similar to Charlie Sheen) is Michael Holloway a man who use to be part of the drug culture and it nearly cost him his life. But everything changed when he met Chloe (Rebecca Gayheart) a girl who made Michael give up his addictive illegal habits and go straight. So Michael works the graveyard shift at a gas station around central Los Angeles. Night after night, people come in, give Michael money, pump gas into their vehicles and then leave. One night Michael takes part of his anger out on a customer, Stuart Chappell (Peter Weller). Stuart pulls up in a nice looking Porsche and wearing a expensive suit. Michael feels guilty about yelling at innocent Stuart who only wanted gas, so he apoligizes to him, and Stuart accepts and wants to take Michael out for a cocktail. However, Stuart isn't innocent, he doesn't want to take Michael out only for a cocktail, and he didn't arrive to only get gas. Stuart shows Michael the underground world of Los Angeles, from strip clubs to places where people watch people getting torture. One good thing about SHADOW HOURS is the look and mood of the film. The picture starts off of fast motion cars speeding on a freeway, with the numbers on a gas pump moving in rapid speed, while music from Moby is being played on the soundtrack. If anyone is going to make a movie that takes place around in Los Angeles, one SHOULD play industrial music, especially by the artist Moby. Michael Mann protrayed Los Angeles to a prefction in his 1995 classic HEAT. As the view saw the scummy and seedy realistic side of Los Angeles, the fast dance tempo of Moby was played on the soundtrack. And SHADOW HOURS does accomplish that in some of it's scenes, which I really enjoyed. However, nothing much could be said for the rest of the film. The plot isn't anything special or new, it's more or less a updated version of the dark figure leading the innocent figure into a dark world. And some of the scenes in the film are not that original, but others (including a sexual torture club) are very disturbing to watch. The only actor who stands out in this film is by Peter Weller. He gives flamboyance to his character of Stuart that you wonder is this man really psychotic, or is he indeed the devil himself. But for the other actors, they pretty much give a paint-by-numbers performance. Getty doesn't really carry the movie, when he should be the leading actor carrying the film, he appears to be a sidekick to the Weller character. Rebecca Gayheart also gives a generic performance as the pregnant wife who stays awake late at night and wonders what her husband is up to. But a decent supporting performances from Brad Dourif as the gas station manager, and a unrecognizeable Frederic Forrest, help give the movie some color. I do see what director Isaac Eaton was trying to say in this film by getting his message across. But it's nothing really new or unique. For a small budget independent film, it does manage to show something promising, but in the end you don't walk out going "wow" it's more of a "ho-hum." ** (out of five)
culture, to fight clubs, the viewer doesn't really miss much of what else is dark in the city. Balthazar Getty (who looks similar to Charlie Sheen) is Michael Holloway a man who use to be part of the drug culture and it nearly cost him his life. But everything changed when he met Chloe (Rebecca Gayheart) a girl who made Michael give up his addictive illegal habits and go straight. So Michael works the graveyard shift at a gas station around central Los Angeles. Night after night, people come in, give Michael money, pump gas into their vehicles and then leave. One night Michael takes part of his anger out on a customer, Stuart Chappell (Peter Weller). Stuart pulls up in a nice looking Porsche and wearing a expensive suit. Michael feels guilty about yelling at innocent Stuart who only wanted gas, so he apoligizes to him, and Stuart accepts and wants to take Michael out for a cocktail. However, Stuart isn't innocent, he doesn't want to take Michael out only for a cocktail, and he didn't arrive to only get gas. Stuart shows Michael the underground world of Los Angeles, from strip clubs to places where people watch people getting torture. One good thing about SHADOW HOURS is the look and mood of the film. The picture starts off of fast motion cars speeding on a freeway, with the numbers on a gas pump moving in rapid speed, while music from Moby is being played on the soundtrack. If anyone is going to make a movie that takes place around in Los Angeles, one SHOULD play industrial music, especially by the artist Moby. Michael Mann protrayed Los Angeles to a prefction in his 1995 classic HEAT. As the view saw the scummy and seedy realistic side of Los Angeles, the fast dance tempo of Moby was played on the soundtrack. And SHADOW HOURS does accomplish that in some of it's scenes, which I really enjoyed. However, nothing much could be said for the rest of the film. The plot isn't anything special or new, it's more or less a updated version of the dark figure leading the innocent figure into a dark world. And some of the scenes in the film are not that original, but others (including a sexual torture club) are very disturbing to watch. The only actor who stands out in this film is by Peter Weller. He gives flamboyance to his character of Stuart that you wonder is this man really psychotic, or is he indeed the devil himself. But for the other actors, they pretty much give a paint-by-numbers performance. Getty doesn't really carry the movie, when he should be the leading actor carrying the film, he appears to be a sidekick to the Weller character. Rebecca Gayheart also gives a generic performance as the pregnant wife who stays awake late at night and wonders what her husband is up to. But a decent supporting performances from Brad Dourif as the gas station manager, and a unrecognizeable Frederic Forrest, help give the movie some color. I do see what director Isaac Eaton was trying to say in this film by getting his message across. But it's nothing really new or unique. For a small budget independent film, it does manage to show something promising, but in the end you don't walk out going "wow" it's more of a "ho-hum." ** (out of five)
Remember that the one who said "I'm your angel Michael, here to protect you" (or something like that) also said "You have to go all the way down, to the pits, hitting rock bottom before you come out of this" (or similar words).
He gave Michael an overdose of moral evil, the max being such selfish greed that ... (I won't tell not to spoil it.)
What the angel had told Michael said true, he did not lie. And when he saw the positive result at the end of his work with Michael, he went over to the next one in line who needed the same kind of help.
Great movie!
He gave Michael an overdose of moral evil, the max being such selfish greed that ... (I won't tell not to spoil it.)
What the angel had told Michael said true, he did not lie. And when he saw the positive result at the end of his work with Michael, he went over to the next one in line who needed the same kind of help.
Great movie!
- lode-722-777775
- Jan 17, 2012
- Permalink
If you like film noir with eclectic imagery (i.e. "The Hunger") then this is for you. Weller's performance is intriguing and will keep you guessing where he's going go. Peter Greene (Zed from Pulp Fiction) as a sleazy cop is interesting too.
Like "The Hunger", the writing/editing didn't quite hold the film together but hey, it doesn't have to be a 10 star movie to be worth watching.
Like "The Hunger", the writing/editing didn't quite hold the film together but hey, it doesn't have to be a 10 star movie to be worth watching.
- cash_foley
- Jun 25, 2002
- Permalink
- PredragReviews
- Jun 13, 2016
- Permalink
Shadow Hours is a scuzzy slice of nightmarish Los Angeles underground sleaze that plays like a disturbing cross between 1970's gutter poetry exploitation and grunge rock 1990's fever dream cinema that you'd be lucky to find at 4am on some obscure corner of cable TV. Balthazar Getty plays a recovering drug and alcohol addict trying to get his life straight, aided by his doting wife (ever gorgeous, underrated Rebecca Gayheart). He takes a crummy job at a run down 24/7 gas station in a part of town infested with every freak, creep and creature of the night imaginable. His paranoid loon of a boss (the inimitable Brad Dourif) carries a 357 on his shift and warns him of the impending danger the night offers. He's soon alone on night shift, and is visited by shadowy stranger Stuart Chappell (Peter Weller). Weller has always had a sly way with words and a dark, edgy restlessness that he puts to frightening use here. He leads Getty down a a black leather sinkhole of drug abuse, kinky sex clubs and depraved acts of inhuman despair. It's never really clear who Chappell is or why he morally corrupts poor Getty seemingly for no reason, but there's some interesting metaphysical implications near the end that makes one wonder. Badass character actor Peter Greene plays a weary detective on Weller's trail, and there's equally downbeat work from Johnny Whitworth, Corin Nemic and Frédéric Forrest. This is a stomach churning pool of nauseating excess, and is only for people who can swallow their cinema with a handful of sewage. Me being the crazy buff who's into all the weird cobweb infested corners that movies have to offer, loved every bodily fluid stained minute of it.
- NateWatchesCoolMovies
- Sep 12, 2015
- Permalink
when i first started watching this movie I thought, ughh just another low budget drama film with a bunch of nobody actors. However, it turned out to be a surprisingly great movie... I was seamlessly entertained at the beginning, but gradually began to understand the meaning of the film. It's definitely not a classic, but something that everyone should see at some point in their life. I think it shows a good point in life. I also think that the casting was perfect for this type of film. If there were big name actors/actress' in this movie I don't think I would have liked it as much. It kind of struck me as an independent film. The acting was a little shaky but it has a great plot. Try to catch this movie on HBO late at night, I guarantee you will be glad you saw it.
- the_atomic_dj_cruz
- Nov 5, 2005
- Permalink