Misled (2015) User Reviews (2)

Timeless Crime Themes Surface In Misled

[noirman29 · 10/10 · 3 March 2015]

This gritty little thriller is a modern reworking of "Public Enemy" (1931). This time we give equal time to the "good" brother. The Cagney film focused on the rise to prominence (and subsequent fall) of the "bad" brother Tom Powers and his friend Matt Doyle. Shot in Detroit, "Misled's" bleak urban landscape is a grim update to the Warner Brother's sound stage used in "Enemy."

Jonathan Stanley (who also co-wrote and produced) delivers a star turn as Jason, a conflicted young man who must turn to stripping and prostitution to help his family through overwhelming financial and personal problems. Stanley has a riveting intensity that drives the crime drama.

Matt Lockwood gives a harrowing portrait of a compulsive criminal, unable to resist his urges and causing grief to those around him. Natalie Avital plays Jason's love interest and adds an urban angst to her portrayal. Sammy Shiek, fresh from his performance in "American Sniper." plays an opportunistic club manager with just a glimmer of heart.

The direction is terse and edgy, driving the film to its shocking and violent end. There is a wonderful stedicam shot reminiscent of Scorsese's shot in Goodfellas (the "Copacabana Shot") when Jason first enters the strip club.

What out for all those minor criminals, lurking around the edges of "Misled." There are some quick, riveting cameos by a well-honed ensemble of male performers.

A sound track, some original music and some featuring Detroit music, unifies this timely and worthy entry into the indie crime drama scene.

Magic Mike meets Mystic River

[ingorautenberg · 8/10 · 9 August 2015]

With Indie films you don't benefit from prominent writers and famous box office actors. So the story and the acting are of utmost importance. Not to say there aren't notables in this gritty story -- as Sammy Sheik (American Sniper and Lone Survivor) does a commendable (and funny) job in his role as DJ.

Filmed entirely in Detroit, the film has an authentic, gritty feel -- with score and music that are from Detroit musicians as well. Based on the true life adventures and experiences of Jonathan Stanley (cowriter, producer and lead actor) as Jason, with Matt Lockwood as his older brother Bobby -- the story relates how Bobby's inner demons surface after being released from prison. Continuity and background -- through smart flashbacks -- further to help in developing the story and endear sympathy for the two brothers.

I won't say more except it's a very worthwhile film that's at times funny, poignant and heartbreaking. I remember being impressed when I saw it at its debut and this feeling was even more solidified the second time around. I wasn't expecting the movie to be as good as it is. Kudos to all those who worked so hard to make this film.