My review(spoilers)
I only heard about this movie because Gale Harold co-starred in it. That said, had I read about it in a newspaper or movie guide I would have watched it anyways. It's my kind of movie and the trailor hooked me from the first moment I saw it. Very dramatic. The issues it raises are deep and important. Never did I forget, however, this was a very indie movie without the supportive deep pockets of a studio. It felt like it was a personal film. Everybody involved did it because of the story, not the paycheck.
Having seen Steve Harris is a few different roles, I'm struck by how timid he played Roy. Fantastic job. The way he kept his shoulders and body and the way he walked. He had such a weight on him. Roy would cower around Harold and hardly look him in the eye. Great job with the characterization.
Phillip was a revelation. Sammy was so loving, so giving, so full of life. I wanted him to have a better life. A better family.
Judah was funny. I don't understand his characters' fascination with oil but whatever, LOL!! As the guy who stayed in the background and was mostly comic relief he did good. I wish 30 Rock used him more but that is neither here nor there. Hahahaha!
Michelle was all right. Her accent went in and out and seemed a little too over the top at times. Kathleen was sweet and really loved her man.
Which leads me to Harold. Gale's performance? Gale, Gale, Gale how I love thee. He did a great job with the characterization. I couldn't find any of his other roles there. Brian Kinney was nowhere, and I mean nowhere, inside that performance. Gale's performance was so good, I was able to separate him from the character---I hated Harold. He was mean and a bully. He abused his brother. What happened to him as a child does not excuse his behavior. What happened to him as a boy was a tragedy. No child should ever ever have to deal with that. His father was vile. But the way he treated Sammy? It was loathsome. I can't believe anybody would stay with him and nobody had taken Sammy away a long time before. He's a mean, miserable man. I could not imagine anything that could have made him redeemable. The acting was so great it made me forget how much I like Gale. LOL!! He embraced that character with everything he got.
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Was the funeral at the end for Roy's father or Harold?