You can't fault Standoff for not delivering its title in swift fashion. From the first act people just come out of nowhere and start shooting at each other, then you have it, a standoff. This is a simple theme which is used delicately, both lead actors create an intense atmosphere and the relatively short runtime manages to squeeze in plenty of action movie maneuvers nicely.
An assassin (Laurence Fishburne) goes onto killing spree in a funeral. Unfortunately for him, there's a little girl witnessing the savage display who eventually runs into the nearby house of a veteran soldier Carter (Thomas Jane). The three engage in wit and verbal battle for their survival, chipping away at each other with insult and injury.
Granted, this premise is rather outlandish. Assassin who blasts his way in daylight, a house in the middle of nowhere and basically a couple of the set-up are arguably far-fetched. Nevertheless, the movie is commendably unapologetic about this, ushering the characters into the predicament and on with the show.
Both Laurence Fishburne and Thomas Jane deliver a highly volatile tension. Thomas Jane is man with guilty conscience, he's weighted down by his past and this awful yet serendipitous scenario offers him a chance for salvation. It's a strange instant guardian instinct, which sets the motivation for his character well.
Laurence Fishburne, on the other hand, is a frantic and desperate man, increasingly so by the minutes. He does a good job of portraying the antagonist, spewing vile words and keeping up a defensive posture. Credit goes to Ella Ballentine as the girl in peril. She seems timid yet lovable, her performance is more controlled anxiety than constant crying and there's a good chemistry with Thomas Jane as well.
For visual, its cinematography uses the claustrophobic setting to full advantage. On a few occasions it captures the struggle so brilliantly. The change of light and the way the girl's red dress flutters are also good shots, the director knows how to set ambiance right. Furthermore, the small setting is easily understandable which goes a long way to create immersion for audience.
It may start a bit outlandish, but Standoff is the essence of action thriller. The idea of few characters in unstable predicament told in viciously vehement spectacle and compact manageable pace is highly captivating.
An assassin (Laurence Fishburne) goes onto killing spree in a funeral. Unfortunately for him, there's a little girl witnessing the savage display who eventually runs into the nearby house of a veteran soldier Carter (Thomas Jane). The three engage in wit and verbal battle for their survival, chipping away at each other with insult and injury.
Granted, this premise is rather outlandish. Assassin who blasts his way in daylight, a house in the middle of nowhere and basically a couple of the set-up are arguably far-fetched. Nevertheless, the movie is commendably unapologetic about this, ushering the characters into the predicament and on with the show.
Both Laurence Fishburne and Thomas Jane deliver a highly volatile tension. Thomas Jane is man with guilty conscience, he's weighted down by his past and this awful yet serendipitous scenario offers him a chance for salvation. It's a strange instant guardian instinct, which sets the motivation for his character well.
Laurence Fishburne, on the other hand, is a frantic and desperate man, increasingly so by the minutes. He does a good job of portraying the antagonist, spewing vile words and keeping up a defensive posture. Credit goes to Ella Ballentine as the girl in peril. She seems timid yet lovable, her performance is more controlled anxiety than constant crying and there's a good chemistry with Thomas Jane as well.
For visual, its cinematography uses the claustrophobic setting to full advantage. On a few occasions it captures the struggle so brilliantly. The change of light and the way the girl's red dress flutters are also good shots, the director knows how to set ambiance right. Furthermore, the small setting is easily understandable which goes a long way to create immersion for audience.
It may start a bit outlandish, but Standoff is the essence of action thriller. The idea of few characters in unstable predicament told in viciously vehement spectacle and compact manageable pace is highly captivating.