The Last Shift

Astute observational indie about two guys who are stuck. Neither can admit that anyone is worse off, on a lower rung of America's economic ladder. They find themselves working together at a slow fast-food drive-through in a town that's been left behind. The elder of the two -- played with almost painful truthfulness by Richard Jenkins -- is a crumbling white guy who has been serving up low-nutrition burgers and fries for 38 years and thinks he's looking forward to his last shift. His trainee is a gifted young black man -- skilfully presented by Shane Paul McGhie as a charmer with a chip on his shoulder -- whose intelligence can't save him from the consequences of his resentment.

Written and directed with skill and sensitivity by documentarian Andrew Cohn, this is an understated state-of-the-nation piece that makes its points without ever resorting to polemic.

There was nothing, absolutely nothing in this film that could be classed as funny. it was a very realistic look at the working class man, and the problems troubled kids face. it was a good movie, very touching, great acting and pulled at my heartstrings.

it had a start and a middle then the credits rolled, if it was an episode of a series youd be interested to watch the next episode.

Richard Jenkins ... always an excellent choice if he's available. Such a range this guy has - and his performance here is matched by his .. well "successor". While he is on his way out, he will get replaced and has to teach the guy who comes after him how to do the job he did.

The fact that the guy is an ex con and way younger than our leading man ... well it has to lead to some conflicts. For better or worse those two have different world views. And whether you agree with one or the other ... it does fuel the story and the character development ... and adds tremendous drama to the whole thing. Some other great additions in the acting department round up a really interesting drama - slow moving, but good, with many themes that will connect to a certain target audience.

This story was written with a quill (or disposable Bic) not a sledge hammer. While it has the predictable white = bad, black = good thing happening, the story is actually new (to me, on film). Growing up, going through my first part-time jobs, I always ran into older people who unaccountably had the same responsibilities as I did. I didn't necessarily pity them, but I was curious about them. This film gives "that guy" some dimension, a life. I also like that the younger character can get in cross-ways with the law without being a thug. That's probably a lot more common than we know. It's not a story to change your life, but it is a thoughtful piece all the same.

A slow burn but enjoyable throughout. Jenkins proves why he is one of the best actors out there. Bravo! Stellar performance by the full cast as well.