The Standoff at Sparrow Creek

Militia members gather underground in the aftermath of a mass shooting to discover something disturbing. An AR-15 semi-automatic rifle, the type used in the attack, is missing from their cache. Interrogations ensue, tempers flare and threats fly as they try to discover who among them knows something before the police arrive. Confusion, mistrust and fear spike as word comes that an extensive plot is underway and neighboring militias are involved in something ominous. Everything depends on where and who the information comes from and truth is in short supply.

This fast flowing and gripping gun culture thriller contains a wonderful cast of characters including a lone wolf, informant, tech geek, ex police officer, quirky and enigmatic leader, old timer and white supremacist with a criminal past. Lines are delivered like rifle fire and it takes concentration to follow the action. There is pleasing depth in this dialogue and intriguing mystery about where the conversations will take the story. Actions seem plausible and the actors are more than convincing. Lots of testosterone and guttural grunting all around. The film was shot in Dallas. This was according to the director who was at this world premiere and midnight madness showing of the 2018 Toronto International Film Festival.

Certainly intriguing enough to keep me engrossed throughout and it kept me guessing. But some of the plot elements were nonsensical and the ending seemed more convoluted than it needed to be. Good debut for the writer and director Henry Dunham.

I get that people either hate movies or love them, but this was a middle of the line movie. It had a pretty decent story, with a good twist at the end. Th acting was done very well, and the writing was decent. Yes the cinematography could have been better, but for a low budget movie, I think it was pretty good. It isn't a 10, but it aint a 2. If you want a movie that gives you some action, (but is shot in one location like reservoir dogs, so it can get a little slow), and is an ok thriller then this is your movie. It is a good Monday night movie. 6.4

This movie is very underrated but is not perfect. The performances are great as well as the cinematography. The story is pretty solid some points are a little weak. Character development is good although you only get to know about 3 or 4 characters really well. If it was a little longer with better character development I would rate it a 8. Also the twist (no spoilers) kind of ruins the opening for me. One I first watched it those gunshots he hears are chilling. But once you watch it again (for me at least) it isn't as good. But this is a solid thriller and people should check it out. It's on Hulu.

Seems more like a play than a movie and is well enough acted. I liked the performance of young Ned Stark Robert Aramayo who for me was the standout with his small contribution to the story.

The tale overall was pretty implausible but it made an interesting 90 minutes. Certainly not as brilliant as some of the reviews say and the ending was a bit daft.

Still worth a watch all the same.