Felon (DVD)

I have always been a fan of Stephen Dorff and Val Kilmer so to have them both in the same film was a given! I was not disappointed. The documentary style of the film with its realistic gang culture is hard hitting and the fight sequences are brutal, raw and all encapsulating. The storyline and dialogue are excellent and this film made with a modest budget in todays terms is worth every penny and beats many million dollar hollywood efforts! It does not glamourize prison life and is as true a depiction as I think you could ever see in a movie. Stephen Dorff and Val Kilmer respectively give excellent and powerful performances that make you believe in their characters and as Stephen Dorff should not really be in prison you really feel his angst and live every moment with him on his journey into this totally different life doing time, as for Val Kilmer you actually sympathise with his plight and understand why he committed the murders that he did. There are strong performances from the supporting cast as Harold Perrineau adds a sadistic twist as the corrupt head prison guard who wants to enact full revenge against what he classes as dirt and low life, he shows no mercy and despite part of you thinking his actions in some respects could be validated, when he over steps the mark you wish the felons to enact the necessary revenge. I would recommend you buy this film for your collection it depicts the worst of prison life with bloody and brutal fighting, corruption and gang affiliations that must be chosen wisely if you are to survive yet the film incorporates friendship, love and hope and justice in the end prevails. As a female as a bonus you get to see Stephen Dorff with his hard worked physique yet he backs this up with substance of character and you truly believe him to be in that scenario and as for Val Kilmers quiet and strong presence, you expect to dislike all that he is but when Stephen Dorff's character turns to him for help and his expertise on survival in a top security prison his story of how he became a felon is both upsetting and compelling and you hope he gets his wish to die to be with his family once again.

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Since Shawshank Redemption (an exceptional film) I have found 'Prison' films a bit samey. Well this is a production with a good, strong storyline. Yes it has violence, but it is not used unneccessarily. There are some film producers who would use blood for the sake of it, to add to the dramatisation. This is beautifully acted, and shows compassion and justice as well as brutality, (which I hasten to add, comes from a surprising source). I would guarentee this film whole heartedly, and will happily watch it over and over. A completely convincing and brilliant movie!