Many of the others writing reviews for this film have touched on the major 'plot points' involved here, so I won't bother repeating them. The one scene that has not been mentioned, but certainly deserves attention, is Ranger Terrell's (Costas Mandylor) struggles with his past as a top-notch chiropractor. We often see films in which the protagonist is running from a past he cannot escape; most often these characters are ex-police officers haunted by a fatal shooting of an innocent person. Ranger Terrell, however, is an ex-chiropractor struggling with his inability to save the life of his wife... through chiropractics. This scene, complete with tears and tortured emotion, is a wonderful and hilarious take on one of the oldest clichés Hollywood has to offer. Terrell becomes a Park Ranger in a remote town to escape the horrors of 'losing his touch' as a chiropractor. A chiropractor? Brilliant.
There are many more scenes of this type sprinkled throughout the film, and I suppose it is up to the individual viewer to decide whether or not we are to take them as tongue-in-cheek or as serious cinema. My vote? Tongue-in-cheek, no question about it. Six stars for unique takes on dated Hollywood plot-fillers and at least four laugh-out-loud scenes. Currently playing on Starz on demand, so for those with access to this service I recommend a big bowl of popcorn and an open mind.
There are many more scenes of this type sprinkled throughout the film, and I suppose it is up to the individual viewer to decide whether or not we are to take them as tongue-in-cheek or as serious cinema. My vote? Tongue-in-cheek, no question about it. Six stars for unique takes on dated Hollywood plot-fillers and at least four laugh-out-loud scenes. Currently playing on Starz on demand, so for those with access to this service I recommend a big bowl of popcorn and an open mind.