HELLION (2014)

Written & Directed By: Kat Candler 
Cinematography By: Brett Pawlak 
Editor: Alan Canant 


Cast: Aaron Paul, Juliette Lewis, Josh Wiggins, Deke Garner, Dalton Sutton, Dylan Cole

When motocross and heavy metal obsessed thirteen-year-old Jacob's increasing delinquent behavior forces CPS to place his little brother, Wes, with his aunt, Jacob and his emotionally absent father, Hollis, must finally take responsibility for their actions and for each other in order to bring Wes home.

This film feels familiar. You have seen the same story and situations before as the film feels lived in. What sets it apart and makes it feel different is the development. While it doesn't wallow in it's sorrow. It does bother to be bleak at times. Though ends with a jab of hope and no the one you think you will see coming

It would have been Easy for the film to focus on the boy's plan to get his family back together. And see the preparation and get the audiences hopes up. Instead it treats it as a side dream where she shows determination while dealing with other developments in his life

I like that the film doesn't paint out protagonist with kid gloves. Even after cage he still is a little cuss and along the way in the story we find out his reasons. He still can be over-reactive and learns that his actions have consequences.

The third act gets a little shocking while expecting the worst it get a bit heartwarming after running itself raw for a stretch. Don’t have much to say as their isn’t anything to really say. It’s a pretty cut and dry picture.

It's a rugged film that feels gritty and tough. Though reveals itself to be more smooth and polished then it would seem. There seems to be a driving force and passion in the film for the material. It just never gains the momentum that it hints at throughout. Except for one home invasion scene.

The film send familiar though goes for patches of really being it's own entity until it runs into familiar ground that feels a bit forced by the rules of drama.

This is the first time I have really seen Aaron Paul play an adult role that wasn't really stylized. Here he shows his despair through his walk and in his eyes and really is a revelation as to what he can really do with the right Character and material. At first I barely even recognized him

Juliette Lewis was a surprise in this film, From her appearance that i never knew was coming and for once playing the voice of reason in a film was a welcome surprise.

I wish the whole film was as much of a breath of fresh air as his performance was.

Josh Wiggins as the lead is really good in his debut.


Grade: C+