we follow the lives of several people who cross over from Canada into Detroit. How their lives intersect and how they behave is not what we expect. Low budget version of Crash reset in the once thriving capital of the American auto industry. Its a mixed affair that has its heart in the right place but never manages to quite work thanks to the budget and slips into cliché now (granted they play with them but they still use them). Its okay, but those expecting a different sort of film thanks to a video cover that promises a bang bang shoot 'em up and synopsis thats really off base, are sure to be very disappointed. 5 out of 10
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thundaarx2 June 2007This film is exploitive and really raunchy at times. Many of the story lines don't make sense and the characters act in unbelievable ways. It really is bad storytelling at a low budget - the worst of both worlds. I suppose a couple of moments work in the film, but I am guessing that is by accident when compared to so much else that didn't work.
On a good note, the cinematography was decent. The city looks awful which, I guess, is what the makers were going for with this film. Yes, Detroit is a tough town with its share of problems, but do we need a Detroit cast to get together to make the city look even worse? (thanks guys).
The exploitive scenes of drug use, rape, and prostitution don't help much. Just more nudity and sexual situations added in for kicks - which will only appeal to those with the most puerile of interests.
I could give a litany of problems with this film, but heed my warning and stay away. -
mrhydeprod22 May 2009Very happily surprised by this independent... found it at blockbuster and decided to check it out when i found out the setting was Detroit. I didn't know what to expect at first, but after an exciting beginning I was hooked in to the rest. Good moments and excellent camera work, especially for a low-budget film like this. The 35mm film made some of the shots look really good, and the locations were cool. Overall pretty good. I would have liked to see some of the actors have longer roles, there were so many stories that some didn't seem to go as far as I would have liked. I would be interested in watching the next film by this director, and with some more talent and a higher budget I would expect to see a more impressive follow up.
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pvixenj23 November 2004I hope this film will make it to large enough distribution that you will all get to see it. Definitely quality flick for low budget.
There are 4 different story lines throughout the film, and one of them is emotionally more powerful than the rest, you can choose for yourself which one (avoiding spoilers), I definitely know which I pick as best. This movie also pushes the envelope regarding gender/race/financial/geographic/etc. boundaries and stereotypes. As someone who lives in the area, these observations are interesting, thought-provoking and even amusing -- yet often unflattering.
I don't believe that this film depicts the mainstream of Detroit culture. That is exactly the point. "[Panic in] Detroit['s]" best feature is its focus on the extremes that create a contemporary, segregated urban environment. -
To be honest at first my opinion was reserved, I was unsure whether I could relate to the characters and attribute any value to the roles. once viewed, the film was impressive and powerful. This film was developed with a fine point and eye opening perspective of third world situations in the United States. 4 short stories about change and progression from society standing, that anyone can relate to.
This film stretches the line of racial tension and profiling, portraying a need and desire for a better life, and all the obstacles that slam the characters in the face on there way up.
For being developed independent, without any Motion Picture Company Money, Panic in Detroit shows the same quality of picture as any other film company out there. with the lack of decent content as of late in the film industry it is rather delightful to see individuals step up and create fine quality films.
If you enjoyed films like Crash, Colors, Dark Blue, and Constant Gardener, then Panic in Detroit is a must see. -
A major American city has rarely appeared as seedy and decrepit as in "Corrupted Minds." Known pre-release as "Panic in Detroit," the movie follows the story of four groups who travel over the Ambassador Bridge from Canada into Detroit. The intertwined stories explore themes of pride, violence, power, passion, drug abuse, lust, misplaced trust, racial and sexual politics, and desperation to survive. In this dark world honesty and true friendship are rare, while deception and raw self-interest are commonplace, and everyone is at risk of betrayal or victimization.
Realistic, emotionally compelling performances by just about every actor and actress involved add enormously to the power of this absorbing drama. Many of the strongest scenes are between Tris (actress Aida Muñoz), a strikingly exotic Hispanic beauty who works as a prostitute but dreams of a better life, and Nick (actor Elton Litzner), her former boyfriend and pimp who, despite his other women, cannot tolerate Tris escaping his domination. Meanwhile, Jack (actor Mark Brock), a sleazy pimp who likes to put on an air of respectability, seeks to woo Tris, while at the same time cheating and exploiting her.
Actor Dale Reynolds puts in a sensitive performance as Sonny Montgomery, a well-known former college sports hero tricked into assisting a criminal, politically motivated plot. On the run from police and the conspirators, including The Reverend (actor Scott Wyckoff) and his henchman Ahmad (actor Walter Harris), his fight to survive seems doomed, while Manuel (actor Derek Denham) the friend that he trusts, ponders his orders to kill Sonny to keep him from talking.
Other story lines center on a film crew from Canada making a documentary, encouraging the locals to say bad things about Detroit, and two white suburban young ladies (actresses Candace Posluszny as Staci and Deirdre Tracey as Margaret) who are unsure whom to trust when their car breaks down in a run-down area of Detroit near the bridge.
Because of nudity, sex scenes and adult themes, the film is inappropriate for children. Despite the degrading nature of some of the sexual relationships, unlike just about every other movie the nudity and sex themselves are never sensationalized or idealized, but instead are portrayed truly and honestly.
Although the film was shot on a limited budget, great attention is paid to the cinematography, which is beautiful, and the sound, which is always right. The musical soundtrack is interesting and appropriate, and normally unobtrusive. There are also some good special effects, though not extensive. The plot is about relationships and human motivations, not explosions. Yet, it is also about the City, a character whose presence is always felt.
By the end of the film there are many losers, but a few winners as well. The biggest winner is the audience.
Producer, director, and screenwriter Brian Lawrence (not related to reviewer) has labored for years to bring forth a well-crafted product that entertains as it asks disturbing questions about contemporary American life.
James S. Lawrence, ynot@earthlink.net -
nicelabmusic15 May 2011I thought the story was good, but the thing that was great was seeing inside the train-station and other buildings that either aren't there anymore or won't be for long. Insightful look at the city, been there a few times certainly a rough place. Some of the acting was good, some of the acting was so-so but the camera quality looked great. I didn't know what to expect at first, so it turned out to be a pretty good rental. I like movies like this so I may be a little bias but it's worth checking out if you are into crime dramas. Also, the script was good but would have been even better with some big name actors, though like I said some did a very good job.
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jimm-4628 May 2009I was very surprised how well the over all production value was on this film. It was well shot, directed, and acted.
The locations used were amazing. I was extremely shocked that these locations existed in a modern city. When you watch the film you will be very surprised at how certain parts of Detroit look like a nuclear war zone, and how this ties into the movie.
Brian Lawrence is a great director, and I look forward to his future work.
Overall, I would recommend this movie if you are looking to sit back, relax, and have a great time. -
It's depiction of a city in crisis is right on target. The economic meltdown of Detroit is fair warning of what will (and to some extent has) come to pass nationally. Post-World War II Europe (especially Italy) provided the inspiration for the Neo-Realist movement in film. Current American industrial/urban decay gives rise to modern neo-realism embodied in this striking motion picture.
Director Brian Lawrence, Cinematographer Lon Stratton and composers Dan Lawton and Gary Haverkate have created a strangely beautiful portrait of desperation.
What's most surprising with this movie, and maybe that has to do with the fresh, ensemble cast, is how fun it is to watch these people struggle just to survive. Highly recommended.