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Released By: Sony Pictures
Released On: 01/25/2011
Director: Patrick Hughes
Cast: Ryan Kwanten, Tommy Lewis, Steve Bisley
The Film:
Hoo Doggies. There are few things I like better than being surprised by a film that I've never heard of. That's certainly what happened when I sat down to watch Patrick Hughes' first foray into the feature film, an ass-kicking extravaganza by the name of Red Hill.
Police Constable Shane Cooper (Ryan Kwanten of True Blood) has taken up residence in Red Hill, a small, secluded Australian town that seems to be trapped in the past. Shane has come to Red Hill with his pregnant wife, Alice, (that's right; Alice Cooper) for a number of personal reasons, primarily because of a former miscarriage and the want for a quieter, simple life. It doesn't seem like luck is on Shane's side, though. Despite the fact that he has to respond to his first call on horseback, or that the townspeople seem to shun big business and other outsiders, or even that he and local police chief Bill have a homey heart-to-heart down at the town Barber shop, trouble is on the horizon in the form of an escaped convict named Jimmy Conway(Tommy Lewis), a former resident.
Convinced that Jimmy will return to Red Hill for revenge on the lawmen that put him away, Bill mobilizes his deputies and town volunteers and locks down the town. He puts Shane out on the main road, a route that he is certain Jimmy will not take; a plan that backfires when Jimmy shows up, courtesy of a hijacked vehicle. A frightening figure with his scarred face, black Stetson and duster, Shane fearfully tries to negotiate with him…before falling down a steep bank into the river.
Waking up a few hours later at dark, Shane heads back into town to sound the warning that Jimmy has arrived in Red Hill, but the caution is not necessary. Stalking through town like Death, Jimmy has been spilling the blood of the locals and silencing their pleas with lead, but not before stopping to punch up a catchy tune on the jukebox. With their numbers dwindling, Bill starts to panic, and that's when Shane realizes that some things are not adding up…why was Bill so certain that Jimmy would return to Red Hill? Why won't he call for backup from the nearest city? Why did the murderously efficient Jimmy miss an easy shot at putting Shane in the ground?
Red Hill is definitely an accomplishment. Written, Directed, and Edited by Patrick Hughes, it probably won't set the Oscar committee reeling, but it's definitely a good film. Hughes utilizes some very cool visuals and beautifully scenic shots to enhance the story, and has also filmed some downright suspenseful and horror-filled moments. His characterization of Shane, with his good and honest, almost bumbling ways was a great decision in order to get the audience on his side within minutes of the picture starting. Kwanten is outstanding in this film as is Tommy Lewis as Jimmy, every bit as badass as the most badass villain in any western film.
Playing predominantly as a Western, Red Hill also borrows from the action, horror, exploitation and revenge genres, and it does so very effectively. That's not to say that the film doesn't have any flaws; occasionally, characters suffer from horror film stupidity, and there's a subplot with a panther that the film probably would've been better off without. Overall, though, Hughes has pulled a winner out of his hat with Red Hill, and has a lot of potential to keep making great movies.
Video/Audio/Extras:
Red Hill is presented in a 2.40:1 anamorphic aspect ratio, and it looks fantastic. High levels of detail and a good balance of colour do justice to the scenic shots of the Australian landscape. Night shots are obviously exhibit a bit more grain but are still detailed, which is a good thing because most of the action takes place at night. The DTS HD 5.1 track utilizes the surrounds quite a bit with good effect, and the dialogue and effects come through clearly at a decent level. Dmitri Golovko's score sounds great as well, and Stevie Wright's Bon-esque “Black Eyed Bruiser†will rattle a few dishes.
Unfortunately, aside from a preview reel of other Sony releases, this disc is barebones. Perhaps a future release will provide fans of the film with some more introspective extra features.
The Final Word:
One of the better films I've seen recently, Red Hill gets a good presentation in the film department, but lacks in the supplements. I definitely encourage checking it out.
As I mentioned in the review, it is really a mashup of different genres, and I think that the atmosphere and the landscape was perfect for such a story. Very well done, especially for a solo writing/directing/editing triple-punch right out of the gate. This guy has got some real potential.
THE CHANT OF JIMMIE BLACKSMITH was a Fred Schepisi film starring Lewis: it's violent as hell, and casting Lewis in this was a great idea, but I guess we'll have to wait for the imaginary exploitation sequel REVENGE OF JB.
Joe Sam is the native american guy in TRACK OF THE CAT -- great, weird character used to very odd effect, like Maria Ouspenskaya played by an aging Alfalfa. (Seriously, he's played by Carl Switzer -- I didn't recognize him.) I have no idea what THE NIGHT JOE SAM CAME BACK would be like.
I'd watch them both, though.
Yeah, there's some hamster-fisted unsubtle stuff, but nothing fatal to the enjoyment. Lewis forking down cream pie, man oh man.