Ashby (2015)

One of my all time favorites.

Just what I expected

everything you have heard about this movie is true.

There are better movies of two hours length. I loved the actress'performance.

I don't know what Rourke did to his f****** face and hands, but he's plainly grotesque now – from a distance and in some scenes, like when he's next to that sweet '67 Cutlass, he could pass for an eccentric older dude who's up for the role, but up close, he looks like a Neanderthal with Botox injections who wears Sapiens Sapiens clothes. It's disturbing and impossible to ignore as he gets his paycheck. Anyway, the kid fills his position as per usual, same for the nerdy chick and the school football team. The only things that piqued my interest were the scene where the girl opens her shirt and the Cutlass, with that straight body and nice paint. Going by the online reviews I'd seen, I was expecting something funny or worthwhile, but nah.

The character Ed was drawn out through the film. Rather than a gradual formation of confidence, the character was entirely on the fence. His intelligence greatly surpassed his ability to connect with people and understand their feelings - this changes near the end as events become more serious and he obviously learns some life lessons from Ashby. Aside from this typical series of events, the character Ashby had a lot to offer to the film, but it seemed too rushed for any in-depth progression. Regardless, Rourke's acting is entirely convincing and heartfelt, taking you into the life of someone who has done wrong but with good intentions. Also, beyond the cliché high school scenes, there was an interesting perspective by the director that played out as it went beyond the typical jock-hierarchy and parties to something more systematic. However it did not shy away from the stereotypical high school drama - just not to the extent that the film would feel like your average high school movie.

I emphatically believe, no!, I sincerely believe THIS is ironically the best movie "Mickey" has ever been in. It was well acted, well written, well done. I am so, SO, connected with the characters. ALL of them, believe it or not, and I can only hope that you, yes, you, reading this review, view the movie alone. Why? Because then you will get to keep the secret, the feelings, the emotions, that this movie will draw right out of you; but only if you're truly true,,,,,, true to yourself. I wish more movies were written this way. This one, well, it does everything worth living for, the Justice it deserves.5 OUT OF 5! 10 OUT OF 10!

High school misfit (Nat Wolff) befriends next-door neighbor who just happens to be terminally ill former CIA assassin (Mickey Rourke). This movie features some solid performances by most of the actors, although the script can't tie all of the overlapping story-lines together in a way director intended. Also, film has occasional heartwarming moments but isn't well-rounded enough. It's not a great film, but for me and film was as filled with light humorous tone that did make flick a pleasant experience.7-/10