Excellent, Without a doubt!!

A Disappointing Continuation

I am only giving this movie a 1 for the great cast, though I can't imagine what any of them were thinking. This movie was horrible

Strong acting helps the film overcome an uncertain premise and create characters that hold our attention absolutely.

A dad and two children live together in a house away from the city-- and away from everything. Mother died years ago and dad dealt with some problems, so he decided to live isolated from society. That's a strange thing to imagine; his sons are 10 and 18 (approximately), and it is almost impossible to live this age without friends, parties or only people to talk about something according to your age. After some while, dad's brother shows up and reveals some weird secrets. As the movie movies, even thought there's nothing too exciting for you to be entertained, directing and acting make you pay very attention to the dialogs and reactions of the cast. Sometimes actors speak too low, so you have to be entertained to understand what they're talking about. Photography directing/editing are beautiful, making this movie be very calm to watch. Unfortunately there are some violent scenes and the movie seems to reach nowhere, but it is a good time passer. Watch it only for entertainment and maybe you'll enjoy.

6.7 IMDb rating? Seriously? It must be getting one compulsory extra rating point for each A-List actor/actress that was in it, and half point for Kristin Stewart. This would definitely have a 4 - 4.5 rating without the cast boost. I also need to make a point of remembering the director, editor, and whoever did the score, so I can avoid their movies in the future. The movie somehow managed to keep my interest long enough to watch the whole thing, but only just barely.And what's with the totally bizarre ending?! Flashing back and forth between the boy in the hospital bed with his grandpa (with tons of rouge on his cheeks) talking about his grandmother's cooking, to his brother standing in the hallway in a rather odd stance and holding a green balloon for some reason, to boy #1 fully dressed and wading in the ocean. Then the brother pops his balloon for no particular reason, and has no visible reaction to popping it. Fade to black. Huh??? Would've made sense if it was just the grandfather talking to the boy or boys.

After viewing David Gordon Green's awesome "Snow Angels" (2007), easily one of the greatest dramas ever filmed, I decided I'd better give his previous film "Undertow" another chance. I'm glad I did because 2004's "Undertow" is the type of film that gets better with repeat viewings.The story revolves around two boys living with their father in rural Georgia near Savannah (where the film was shot), trying to eke out a living off the land. Chris is about 16 and Tim around 10; both manifest their grief over their dead mother and the challenges of their destitute isolation in different ways: Chris gets in trouble with the law, while Tim strangely seems obsessed with consuming non-edible items. Their father's brother comes to visit and seems affable enough, but there's a wild, sinister glint in his eyes. No wonder since he's frothing with hostility and greed. Havoc ensues."Undertow" is a bit reminiscent of Terrence Malick's "Days of Heaven" (1978) in that both are realistic dramas focusing on youths in rural areas and both offer a dreamy viewing experience. Each try hard to enchant with their movie magic. Unlike "Days", however, "Undertow" is rooted in the Southern Gothic genre. Of the two, I favor "Undertow".It goes without saying that these types of arty films aren't for everyone. Those bred on modern "blockbusters" will likely find "Undertow" dull, meandering and pointless. And, I admit, I myself wasn't all that impressed the first time I watched it. I didn't hate it; I just didn't "get" it, if you know what I mean. I'm glad I gave it a second (and third) chance, however, because "Undertow" succeeded in pulling me in under its spell, so to speak. Maybe you just have to be in the right mode for a film of this ilk.The "dreamy" quality mentioned above is facilitated by Philip Glass's mesmerizing score. It's simple and repetitive, but greatly effective. Like the movie, it grows on you. In fact, I've gone to the closing credits a few times just to enjoy this brilliant composition.Being a Southern Gothic drama/thriller, "Undertow" has a cool Southern ambiance. Other films that are successful in this manner come to mind: "The General's Daughter", "Ode to Billy Joe", "I Walk the Line" (with Gregory Peck, 1970), "Mississippi Burning", "Squirm", "The Man in the Moon" and "The Skeleton Key". If you have a taste for these types of films (and "Days of Heaven") you'll likely appreciate "Undertow".Kristen Stewart has a small role in the first half hour.The film runs 108 minutes.FINAL WORD: It may not strike you on the first viewing but "Undertow" is a mesmerizing Southern Gothic drama/thriller; in some ways brilliant. I'm presently only giving it 8/10 because its point is elusive. What's it all mean? Regardless, "Undertow" is one of those films that gets better and better with each viewing, sort of like songs you didn't like at first but ultimately become all-time favorites. GRADE: B+

...that, if nothing else, confirms that auteur David Gordon Green is a director to watch. "Undertow" is a somewhat picaresque tale, of a stripe labeled Southern Gothic these days, that concerns itself with the lives of two generations of brothers, one the parent to the other. The Terrence Malick (one of the film's producers) influence is apparent, along with that of Mark Twain, Miguel de Cervantes and the like. The story is a simple one of Good betrayed and pursued by Evil, with a resolution that may leave some viewers cold, if not befuddled, but as is the case in so many similar tales, it's the journey itself and the lessons learned (or not) along the way that is the meat of things, and Green serves up a mostly satisfying meal. The acting is quite good, especially from the young leads. Jamie "Jumper" Bell is superb, proving himself once again as an immensely talented young actor with a long and successful career ahead of him, while relative newcomer Devon Alan shows good chops as Bell's younger brother. Dermot "Living in Oblivion" Mulroney and Josh "Poseidon" Lucas, as the boys' fathers, ably demonstrate their abilities with excellent performances of characters notably against type. The supporting ensemble features a number of recognizable faces, including a very brief appearance by Bill "Deliverance" McKinney ("Squeal like a pig!"), although unfortunately Kristen "Panic Room" Stewart and Shiri "Swimfan" Appleby don't get near enough screen time. Longtime Green collaborator Tim "Sex Drive" Orr handles the camera chores with great finesse and an eye for the corroded beauty of downhome Alabama. The score by Philip "Koyaanisqatsi" Glass is appropriately pastoral and foreboding as required, not his strongest work but quite serviceable. Likewise, the editing by Green collaborators Steven Gonzales and Zene Baker is good, though in my estimation marred by seemingly random freezes and fades that practically scream, "Cut to commercial!" Still, whatever minor quibbles I have, "Undertow" is a worthy rental, if not purchase, and a commendable alternative to typical Hollywood fare.