I remember watching the trailer to this and thinking that it gave away a lot of the film. Made me wonder if it was really worth going out to see this when the entire story is basically told in trailer. So when I recognized the title and decided to give it a try I was pleasantly surprised.
I feel like you really know how everything's going to unfold, barring a few minor details, but it's not what happens so much as how it's told. The story is written and cast almost perfectly. I believe this movie is a good example that a plot is really only as good as how well it's written and who is put in the roles. Brian Cox is an excellent choice as the protagonist. He's not a Clint Eastwood or a John Wayne type of aging star. He's a fat, bald, old man who enjoys his work, fishing, hunting, and his dog. I know several men just like his character in my own life. In addition, I know people who I could see in the kids roles in this story. Noel Fisher was a perfect choice. I think everyone's met a kid like that; someone who thinks they're owed everything in life and will throw a tantrum if they can't do something on the first try. A person who will go off on someone for any perceived slight against them. Someone who's so jaded in life they could find entertainment in others' suffering.
That said, my only complaint is that the ultimate message of the story gets kinda lost or clouded throughout. On the other hand at least it isn't too preachy and full of itself. Some symbolism is a bit too blatant (Look no further than the title for that haha) and there are some other points that get lost. But like I said, it's worth watching just because it's told rather well. You never really get bored with the film and is a very good change from movies that can't figure out if they want to be thrillers or action flicks.
I feel like you really know how everything's going to unfold, barring a few minor details, but it's not what happens so much as how it's told. The story is written and cast almost perfectly. I believe this movie is a good example that a plot is really only as good as how well it's written and who is put in the roles. Brian Cox is an excellent choice as the protagonist. He's not a Clint Eastwood or a John Wayne type of aging star. He's a fat, bald, old man who enjoys his work, fishing, hunting, and his dog. I know several men just like his character in my own life. In addition, I know people who I could see in the kids roles in this story. Noel Fisher was a perfect choice. I think everyone's met a kid like that; someone who thinks they're owed everything in life and will throw a tantrum if they can't do something on the first try. A person who will go off on someone for any perceived slight against them. Someone who's so jaded in life they could find entertainment in others' suffering.
That said, my only complaint is that the ultimate message of the story gets kinda lost or clouded throughout. On the other hand at least it isn't too preachy and full of itself. Some symbolism is a bit too blatant (Look no further than the title for that haha) and there are some other points that get lost. But like I said, it's worth watching just because it's told rather well. You never really get bored with the film and is a very good change from movies that can't figure out if they want to be thrillers or action flicks.