Pawn Shop Chronicles (2013)

In truth, there is barely enough story here to make a film.

The storyline feels a little thin and moth-eaten in parts but this sequel is plenty of fun.

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

It's a feast for the eyes. But what really makes this dramedy work is the acting.

This film tells the story of a group of individuals who are connected by a rural pawn shop."Pawn Shop Chronicles" has a strong and stellar cast, but the execution is so poor that I found it unwatchable. First, the characters who are going to steal from the drug dealer seem tough but they frequently act hysterical. The mismatch might be intentional but it spoiled this subplot for me. The second subplot, involving a man finding a certain ring in the pawn shop, is shockingly violent and unnecessarily disturbing. I really could not watch it further. The third subplot involving the Elvis impersonator is no better than the other two subplots. I find the whole film a bore, and is a torture to watch. It's a pity that this film is Paul Walker's last released film while he was alive, thus unable to end his career on a high note.

There are many people who are disgusted with this film and for good reason, but that can be said of the Tarantino films that it rips off as well. That said, if you are a film buff who can find humor in strange things, you (or I at least) can enjoy a film like this.At least one star of this review is earned for the scene of Elijah Wood masturbating to a video of himself. Combined with his classic association with the LOTR films makes the whole situation hilarious. There's also Matt Dilllon's role as the determined hero trying to rescue his kidnapped wife who callously and cruelly abandons his newlywed wife as if she deserves contempt for the situation. When he goes to beat up the kid in the diner it begs the question: Wouldn't police have been called and an APB put out? In a small town such as that, they'd have rounded him up in a moment. Tons of plot holes abound to marvel at.While others are disgusted by the Hollywood leftist politics of the film, I find it funny in a way how they are not aware of their own bigotries. While they bash southerners as racist, note that there is only one significant token African American role in the film who plays a wisecracking guy in the background. This is a perfect example of limousine liberalism. They ruthlessly portray southerners as rednecks but when have they EVER taken on the typical Democrat welfare mother? I laughed my head off that while the characters of the film reflect the producer's own feelings of why they can't understand why racist southerners hate Jews and Blacks, they themselves can't seem to figure out why they hate working class whites yet leftists prefer to live amongst, and make movies about, working class whites. At least in the 70's, there were sitcoms such as "Good Times" that they even acknowledged the issues that they sweep under the rug today.The closest film I've seen to Hollywood taking a hard look at themselves was S.O.B. and they couldn't handle even THAT much criticism.Despite, or because, of the plot holes, ripoffs, and cheesy roles it was possible to enjoy the comedic timing and performances of the actors. Imagine Anthony Hopkins working at your local dinner theater. Something other reviewers missed: The film ripped off the style of Creepshow.

Messed up but if you imagine it from a different angle it's OK.What this really is under the skin is Tales from the Crypt Cajun Pawn stars style. Take it like that and it's just OK. Otherwise it's dumb, and it is scattered, and! it's dumb. But it is something different, and not really low budget crap it just comes off that way on purpose, to set the mood. The creepy dirty south kind of mood, and if you are in that mood, then you will be right at home here. Lastly great cast, just wish they had had more to work with. It is Mat Dillon, and not Kevin for once so that is a major plus There have just been too many Kevin's, and not enough Mat's lately. Enjoy if you are into that.

This gets a 6 out of 10 for extreme weirdness and confusion.I laughed. I kinda cried and I still don't understand it.What I got out of this film was confusion, humour, some sort or religious symbolism, zombie-naked women. I still don't understand what Frodo did to those naked girls. But I have always loved Elijah Wood...what are you thinking? I will never get that picture of him on the table out of my head.I am torn. I can't say it's a bad film... I can say that it is amusing and just plain odd and kinda unique.I like Brendan Fraser and gosh darn it I didn't think anything would make Brendan Fraser make me feel queasy. Yep - it is WEIRD!!!!