Cop Car

I have always felt that i like actors who dare to make smaller films, instead of big budget films, simply because smaller films usually end up better than the mainstream films. We have seen plenty of proof of that. One of the films i like to go back and talk about is of course The Place Beyond The Pines. On a budget of only 15 million dollars, it had a great cast of Ryan Gosling, Bradley Cooper, Eva Mendes and Ray Liotta ( doing one of his best performances for many years in this film ). This is one of those films you have to own on blu ray, or dvd, as long as you have your own copy at home. It is not very often you see powerful films on the level as this one. So, speaking on smaller films, many films deliver much more quality, because the directors show that you can make something great, even if the budget is small. One film that not many people have seen, that was made thanks to fans of Kickstarter, is a small film called Blue Ruin. A film that really took me by surprise, being so emotional and honest. Director Jeremy Saulnier should have had his film shown in cinemas worldwide, because it was that good. I suggest you go out and buy this film also, support quality films on this level. One actor that have tried both big box office hits, and smaller films, is in many ways a legend. Kevin Bacon have been in motion pictures for so many years, he have proved himself to be an actor why dares to go into all genres. One of my personal favourite films with Kevin Bacon, is the 2004 film called The Woodsman. A story about a man, with an ordinary job, trying to live an ordinary life after coming out from prison. Until his secret comes out that he is a pedophile, and all hell breaks loose. This film is so good, that you won´t be able to stop watching it, and Kevin Bacon is absolutely brilliant. There are other really good films that would be worth to mention, but the list is long so i have chosen to cut it down a bit. Have you seen Frost/Nixon, based on the Richard Nixon interview that shocked the entire world ? This is one of those films i simply love, with some fantastic acting, especially from Michael Sheen ,Frank Langella and Kevin Bacon. You might have watched the great tv series The Following lately, where Kevin Bacon is out for a serial killer ? Worth a watch, but i was more interested in seeing a smaller new film, with Kevin Bacon, that was praised by critics earlier this year at festivals. Cop Car is a new thriller, directed by Jon Watts, who directed the really scary film Clown ( where Eli Roth is one of the producers ). I was surprised to see he changed genre completely, but became curious to see if this combination would be something special. Is Cop Car a future classic independent film, or does it look better than what it really is ?

Best friends Travis ( James Freedson-Jackson ) and Harrison ( Hays Wellford ) are out on the fields playing, trying to keep themselves busy. Suddenly, down over a hill, they spot a cop car. As they get closer, no one seems to be around, so they come up with an idea. They will pretend to be real cops. They find the keys, and find out how to drive. Sheriff Kretzer ( Kevin Bacon ) recently dumped a body on a secret location, and discover his car his gone. He calls in just to try and save himself, telling the office that the radio is busted. The boys manage to find the highway and begin their journey. What they don´t know is that there is a man, tied up in the car trunk. Sheriff Kretzer is determined to get his car back, hoping that no other police officers notice the stolen cop car. What seemed to be an ordinary day, is about to change these peoples lives.

Finally, we got ourselves a really good film here. Since this summer had some pretty lame releases, i am happy to say that Cop Car is a really nice surprise. This may be a very simple film, but the acting here makes it all worth it. Kevin Bacon as the Sheriff Kretzer, is absolutely brilliant. This might actually be his best performance since Frost/Nixon, where he was really good as Jack Brennan. The young boys played by James Freedson-Jackson and Hays Wellford, makes a lot of child actors look amateur. These boys prove that children can be really good infront of the camera, and they make their characters feel realistic. One detail i really enjoy about Cop Car, is how simple details makes the film feel majestic. Just look at the locations, it is just like being in Fargo with the Cohen brothers, but except for all the snow, and perhaps not as crazy characters. I would not go and say that Cop Car reminds me of The Cohen Brothers style completely, that is not true. But the atmosphere reminds me of their tone, using the middle class american families in centre, instead of the typical chliché stereotypes. Director Jon Watts directed a surprisingly good horror film called Clown, with Eli Roth as one of the producers. That film was a throwback to classic horror films of the 80´s. Cop Car is definitely something else, being a much more serious film. I would say that this is without a doubt the best film so far from director Jon Watts. Cop Car proves that a limited budget can sometimes give more quality, than a 150 million dollar budget film, with only CGI effects. We need effective stories to be told, and independent films are very important to keep being made. Where most big budget films rely on just bringing entertainment, Cop Car rely on a good story, as well as acting much better than the usual cinema release. We have all been young, and know that we took risks, in many different ways. It is a part of life where you learn to grow up, and take responsibility. Following these young boys trying to solve the choices they make, is both very intriguing and fascinating. Where do you draw the line?  How far can you go before it is too late ? If you love intelligent films, in a smaller format, Cop Car will definitely have you hooked up from the beginning, to the end. I am very surprised that this film is not screened worldwide since the release, but you can get it on blu ray and dvd this fall, so i suggest you buy yourself a copy, show support of smaller films. Cop Car is one of the better films this year, you just simply have to see it.

Rating: DDDD