I honestly don't understand the really nasty reviews here. This is a very well directed thriller with some great acting from the leads & well worth a look. If you are fond of one location thrillers with a good build up of suspense & tension along with fine character development you'll enjoy it too. If you're looking for an action-packed thrill-a-minute flick this is not the movie for you. I loved the performances of all three leads - the little girl was excellent - and I thought the direction was exceptionally good - I look forward to seeing what the director can produce in the future as he develops. I have no idea why so many people these days think movies should be direct copies of reality - that's why they're movies. They're not going to be "real" - for that you need to pick up a documentary. That said, the premise of this movie, while requiring some suspension of disbelief, does not stray as far from believability as some of these reviews would have you believe. It's not brilliant or perfect but it's a good watch.
88 Reviews
For what it is, the film isn't bad.
Hellmant11 May 2016
'STANDOFF': Three and a Half Stars (Out of Five)
Low-budget action flick, about a standoff between a war veteran and an assassin, in the veteran's country home; over the safety of a young girl, who witnessed a vicious crime. The movie stars Thomas Jane, Laurence Fishburne and newcomer Ella Ballentine. It was written and directed by first time feature filmmaker Adam Alleca. For what it is, the film isn't bad.
Jane plays Carter Green; a military veteran that recently suffered a horrible tragedy. He's now a depressed alcoholic, that lives alone and contemplates suicide. Fishburne plays a hit-man named Sade; who's very good at his job, and extremely calculated. When a young girl, named Bird (Ballentine), witnesses Sade killing multiple people, the hit- man decides she must die. Bird runs to Carter's house for protection, and an intense standoff between the two men develops. Carter has nothing but a shotgun, and two rounds, to protect him and the girl.
The movie is pretty well done, for such a simple story. The characters are nicely developed, the performances are decent, and the directing is more than adequate (especially for such a low budget film). With all that said, there's still not a lot to the movie; and I don't think I'll probably remember much about it, years from now. Still, I had a good time while I was watching it.
Watch our movie review show 'MOVIE TALK' at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OHm0V1TOCkg
Low-budget action flick, about a standoff between a war veteran and an assassin, in the veteran's country home; over the safety of a young girl, who witnessed a vicious crime. The movie stars Thomas Jane, Laurence Fishburne and newcomer Ella Ballentine. It was written and directed by first time feature filmmaker Adam Alleca. For what it is, the film isn't bad.
Jane plays Carter Green; a military veteran that recently suffered a horrible tragedy. He's now a depressed alcoholic, that lives alone and contemplates suicide. Fishburne plays a hit-man named Sade; who's very good at his job, and extremely calculated. When a young girl, named Bird (Ballentine), witnesses Sade killing multiple people, the hit- man decides she must die. Bird runs to Carter's house for protection, and an intense standoff between the two men develops. Carter has nothing but a shotgun, and two rounds, to protect him and the girl.
The movie is pretty well done, for such a simple story. The characters are nicely developed, the performances are decent, and the directing is more than adequate (especially for such a low budget film). With all that said, there's still not a lot to the movie; and I don't think I'll probably remember much about it, years from now. Still, I had a good time while I was watching it.
Watch our movie review show 'MOVIE TALK' at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OHm0V1TOCkg
It does seem to drag and get repetitive at times, but overall this is a good movie that is worth your time because of the acting.
cosmo_tiger11 March 2016
"The little lady has seen my face, now she's got to pay the price. Like everybody else. That's how it works." Sade (Fishburne) is an assassin with one rule, leave no witnesses. After taking care of who he was supposed to he sees a little girl. Not wanting to break his rule he follows her to the home of Carter (Jane). The two engage in a standoff over a little girl with neither willing to budge at all. It becomes a battle of wills with the little girl's life at stake. This is a movie that only works because of one thing. The acting. This easily could have become super cheesy, boring or unwatchable if the casting wasn't right. Luckily for the film, and for us, they got it right. Fishburne does a great job of playing a hard edge assassin without becoming too over the top or hokey. Jane does a great job of playing a veteran on the edge of losing everything and seeing this girl as his salvation. They turn the movie from a great half hour TV show idea into a full length movie that works. It does seem to drag and get repetitive at times, but overall this is a good movie that is worth your time because of the acting. I give this a B.
Superb Riveting Action Thriller
omendata30 August 2020
Just watched this on the Sony Movie Channel and to be fair they do pump out some good films almost as well as Film4 and this is no exception.
I have always liked Thomas Jane since I saw him in The Mist and many other films as he straddles the ability to fit in as an Action movie star but with the ability to handle the drama and romance softer side of acting which is no mean feat these days.
This movie is action packed full of gruesome violence but yet has a solid story and good characterization and is one of those movies set in a static confined location which is not an easy thing to accomplish by any director but Adam Alleca pulls it off with aplomb and deserves full credit for taking a basic story and making it into a riveting and engaging action/thriller.
I loved the surprise ending; it almost gets an extra star just for that but it deserves a very solid 7/10 stars from me as it was a most unexpected and enjoyable evenings movie viewing.
I have always liked Thomas Jane since I saw him in The Mist and many other films as he straddles the ability to fit in as an Action movie star but with the ability to handle the drama and romance softer side of acting which is no mean feat these days.
This movie is action packed full of gruesome violence but yet has a solid story and good characterization and is one of those movies set in a static confined location which is not an easy thing to accomplish by any director but Adam Alleca pulls it off with aplomb and deserves full credit for taking a basic story and making it into a riveting and engaging action/thriller.
I loved the surprise ending; it almost gets an extra star just for that but it deserves a very solid 7/10 stars from me as it was a most unexpected and enjoyable evenings movie viewing.
Short, tense and captivating. My kind of movie.
peterp-450-29871623 March 2016
"Well, well, well. That man knows his guns. So do I."
As I said in my review about the film "Weaponized" : "I have a weak spot for low-budget, straight to DVD, B-movies" and occasionally I discover "a piddling, unknown and unloved movie, which surpasses some blockbusters in terms of content and design". "Standoff" is such a movie. An unpretentious film with a straight forward script. The makers don't waste too much time and introduce practically immediately a deadly, accurate assassin (Laurence Fishburne), who turns a modest funeral into a bloody massacre without batting an eye. His appearance reminded me a little of "The Terminator". But this time with a jet-black balaclava.
The only thing this professional, routinized killer didn't take into account, is Bird (Ella Ballentine). A skinny, shy girl with a camera around her neck serving as protection against and a window at the unjust world, who unwittingly takes a snapshot of the face of the killer. What follows is a chase because the murderer wants to clean up this last witness at all cost. An isolated farmhouse owned by Carter (Thomas Jane), an ex-soldier full of self-pity and remorse trying to forget his grief using booze, is the endpoint. Remorse because of an unfortunate accident that happened to his son. As a result his wife also left him. Bird showing up there might probably be interpreted by Carter as an opportunity to show a sense of responsibility for once.
And before you know it, those two ex-military are in the grip of a standoff. Sade, the assassin with enough firepower, installs himself on the ground floor, while Carter and Bird entrench themselves upstairs, only armed with a "20-gauge shotgun" and only one shell. And so the psychological warfare between the two rivals can start with Bird at stake. There's no lengthy intro or a detailed explanation. Even the multiple assassination at the beginning isn't explained or elucidated. This is in fact of secondary importance. The story develops rapidly at the beginning. Within 10 minutes you are fully aware what situation both men are in. There's the possibility that from there on it could become boring, monotonous and slow. However, the opposite is true.
Sade tries in a verbal manner (and also in other ways) to persuade Carter to turn in Bird, while Carter guards the staircase. The subsequent dialogs between these two are on the one hand provocative and offensive. But on the other hand they are also psychologically thought through. Fishburne is clearly in his element as the unscrupulous villain. It was a pleasure to see him again in a leading role (it's at least more impressive than his roles in "The Signal" and "The Colony"). Jane surprised me and this shows that it wasn't his fault that his acting in "Vice" was worthless, but indeed, that film was quite appalling. Not to say utter crap. Here Jane plays a perfectly balanced role as a tormented heap of misery, full of despair and weariness of life, who transforms into a responsible savior. And finally an honorable mention for Ella Ballentine who did great.
Even though this "home invasion" film wasn't very original and the storyline was quite simple, it still managed to captivate me. And even though the end was kind of predictable, I still wondered how it would eventually end up anyway. An additional advantage was the short playing time which in turn led to a proper pace. All in all, a fascinating film. Yet another proof that films that take place exclusively in one particular location, can also be entertaining. At least I didn't need to fight against sleep, as those two guys.
More reviews here : http://bit.ly/1KIdQMT
As I said in my review about the film "Weaponized" : "I have a weak spot for low-budget, straight to DVD, B-movies" and occasionally I discover "a piddling, unknown and unloved movie, which surpasses some blockbusters in terms of content and design". "Standoff" is such a movie. An unpretentious film with a straight forward script. The makers don't waste too much time and introduce practically immediately a deadly, accurate assassin (Laurence Fishburne), who turns a modest funeral into a bloody massacre without batting an eye. His appearance reminded me a little of "The Terminator". But this time with a jet-black balaclava.
The only thing this professional, routinized killer didn't take into account, is Bird (Ella Ballentine). A skinny, shy girl with a camera around her neck serving as protection against and a window at the unjust world, who unwittingly takes a snapshot of the face of the killer. What follows is a chase because the murderer wants to clean up this last witness at all cost. An isolated farmhouse owned by Carter (Thomas Jane), an ex-soldier full of self-pity and remorse trying to forget his grief using booze, is the endpoint. Remorse because of an unfortunate accident that happened to his son. As a result his wife also left him. Bird showing up there might probably be interpreted by Carter as an opportunity to show a sense of responsibility for once.
And before you know it, those two ex-military are in the grip of a standoff. Sade, the assassin with enough firepower, installs himself on the ground floor, while Carter and Bird entrench themselves upstairs, only armed with a "20-gauge shotgun" and only one shell. And so the psychological warfare between the two rivals can start with Bird at stake. There's no lengthy intro or a detailed explanation. Even the multiple assassination at the beginning isn't explained or elucidated. This is in fact of secondary importance. The story develops rapidly at the beginning. Within 10 minutes you are fully aware what situation both men are in. There's the possibility that from there on it could become boring, monotonous and slow. However, the opposite is true.
Sade tries in a verbal manner (and also in other ways) to persuade Carter to turn in Bird, while Carter guards the staircase. The subsequent dialogs between these two are on the one hand provocative and offensive. But on the other hand they are also psychologically thought through. Fishburne is clearly in his element as the unscrupulous villain. It was a pleasure to see him again in a leading role (it's at least more impressive than his roles in "The Signal" and "The Colony"). Jane surprised me and this shows that it wasn't his fault that his acting in "Vice" was worthless, but indeed, that film was quite appalling. Not to say utter crap. Here Jane plays a perfectly balanced role as a tormented heap of misery, full of despair and weariness of life, who transforms into a responsible savior. And finally an honorable mention for Ella Ballentine who did great.
Even though this "home invasion" film wasn't very original and the storyline was quite simple, it still managed to captivate me. And even though the end was kind of predictable, I still wondered how it would eventually end up anyway. An additional advantage was the short playing time which in turn led to a proper pace. All in all, a fascinating film. Yet another proof that films that take place exclusively in one particular location, can also be entertaining. At least I didn't need to fight against sleep, as those two guys.
More reviews here : http://bit.ly/1KIdQMT
Great Western !!!
Dr_Sagan17 January 2016
If you are planning to see a western movie, you can skip "The hateful eight" (which in my opinion was crap) and see this instead. This movie is a modern time western in many ways including clothing, scenery and theme.
The direction of photography is very good. Artistic sometimes yet efficient. The music pad adds to the atmosphere without being in the way. The pace of the film is the appropriate. Not to hasty and certainly not boring.
But the major asset of the movie is the performance from the 2 leads. Laurence Fishburne takes his role seriously and portraying the villain with finesse. Thomas Jane looks good too and his performance is solid.
The plot it resembles that of a western. It is a little bit on the naive side but it works. The movie has emotions and suspense. Obviously I won't spoil you the ending but it might needed an extra (obvious?) scene that you might miss.
Overall: You don't need a budget made of millions to make a good movie. Good camera work. Good performances and directing and you have what it takes.
The direction of photography is very good. Artistic sometimes yet efficient. The music pad adds to the atmosphere without being in the way. The pace of the film is the appropriate. Not to hasty and certainly not boring.
But the major asset of the movie is the performance from the 2 leads. Laurence Fishburne takes his role seriously and portraying the villain with finesse. Thomas Jane looks good too and his performance is solid.
The plot it resembles that of a western. It is a little bit on the naive side but it works. The movie has emotions and suspense. Obviously I won't spoil you the ending but it might needed an extra (obvious?) scene that you might miss.
Overall: You don't need a budget made of millions to make a good movie. Good camera work. Good performances and directing and you have what it takes.
Enjoyable thriller...
paul_haakonsen2 November 2021
When I stumbled upon this 2016 thriller here in 2021, I had to sit down and watch it right away, as the movie had both Thomas Jane and Laurence Fishburne on the cast list. And as I never had heard about the movie, I didn't know what it was about. But that was hardly an issue given the cast ensemble.
And now that I have seen "Standoff", I must admit that writer and director Adam Alleca definitely managed to put together an entertaining movie and an interesting storyline. Sure, the movie takes place at essentially just a single small location, but the interaction between the characters and the growing tension is what carries the movie, not to mention the good acting performances.
While "Standoff" is entertaining and watchable, this was hardly the type of thriller that you will return to watch a second time, as the contents of the storyline just doesn't have enough meat on it to support that. This is the type of thriller that you just enjoy once.
Now the acting performances by Thomas Jane and Laurence Fishburne were good and they had such good on screen chemistry between them. But the movie also had Ella Ballentine on the cast list, and I don't believe I am at all familiar with her acting performances, but she really managed to put on a good and believable performance in "Standoff".
My rating of "Standoff" lands on a six out of ten stars.
And now that I have seen "Standoff", I must admit that writer and director Adam Alleca definitely managed to put together an entertaining movie and an interesting storyline. Sure, the movie takes place at essentially just a single small location, but the interaction between the characters and the growing tension is what carries the movie, not to mention the good acting performances.
While "Standoff" is entertaining and watchable, this was hardly the type of thriller that you will return to watch a second time, as the contents of the storyline just doesn't have enough meat on it to support that. This is the type of thriller that you just enjoy once.
Now the acting performances by Thomas Jane and Laurence Fishburne were good and they had such good on screen chemistry between them. But the movie also had Ella Ballentine on the cast list, and I don't believe I am at all familiar with her acting performances, but she really managed to put on a good and believable performance in "Standoff".
My rating of "Standoff" lands on a six out of ten stars.
Great acting.
alexanderstephencraig21 January 2017
The story is a simple one but entertaining. The acting is great all around. I mostly was drawn towards Fishburne; his portrayal of his character was very believable and acted well enough for you to truly hate him. The story, like most at their core, is a simple struggle of morals and what's easier, and what's right. But the acting between Fishburne and Jane is so great that I could watch this film again right now. Old films had one thing right; a series of long scenes with dialogue. Of course now you need explosions and quick cuts yada yada. If Tarantino proves anything, these long scenes still work. And this film(not directed by Tarantino) proves that to also be true. Anyways, it's not a bad movie and is worth watching at least once. Again, great acting, not a bad story.
When a single foolish cliché spoils the whole experience.
SilverOrlov17 June 2021
Until the middle, it was 7: The usual normal film of its genre. No particular pros or cons. Just a strong middle of interest ... but in the middle of the film I wanted to put 1 from the wildest, utter, strongest disappointment and anger. I hate with all the chakras of my soul and despise this stupid cliche in films, when a police officer acts stupidly and does not do what he has to do in strange situation. And in this film there were so many things that should have seemed very suspicious to him that talking about some kind of "I'll check it first" would be the greatest mistake from the viewer's side, and to forgive this. Even if the rest of the film would be perfect, I won't put it higher than 5.
This Film Was Well Played
calvinbender24 July 2016
I was on the fence about seeing this film, but I'm glad I did. First of all I have to say i completely disagree with the negative reviews for this movie. After all, the reason we go see movies is to escape reality and come out with a different perspective on life (or we should anyway) than try to figure out if the plot or premise of a film is believable or not. Star Wars or Star Trek don't have a believable premise either but we love to watch'em. This movie, although completely different than a Sci-Fi film, is well worth watching from a psychological point of view alone. People make films. And just like people, all films have flaws even the high budget theatrical releases. I watched this film before I even knew it was a strictly video release and the director was popping his cherry for the first time. But considering either of these, I have to give credit where credit is due and say this movie was really good. It was more positive than negative that's for sure.
Not for Everyone
brutzel24 April 2016
We see Hit-man Sade (Laurence Fishburne) shoot and kill the people at a cemetery burial and he realizes that a little girl, Bird, (Ella Ballentine) has seen him and can identify him. Bird runs away to a farm house where Carter (Thomas Jane) is feeling sorry for himself. Sade must find that little girl.
The role of Sade seemed, to me, to be more suited to Samuel L. Jackson but maybe he wasn't available. We are not used to seeing Fishburne in this kind of a bad guy role, but he does okay not as good as Samuel L. Jackson, perhaps, but okay. Sade comes across Carter's house and a standoff ensues. Carter won't give the girl up.
One would think that this standoff wouldn't last long, but it does and the pacing is pretty good and we aren't bored. Good acting by Jane and Fishburne help that along. There is nothing uncomfortable in here except for the fact that Sade must kill the little girl. (That's uncomfortable enough)
Regardless of any good or great acting by Fishburne and Jane, this is not for everyone. (5/10)
Violence: Yes. Sex: No. Nudity: No. Language: Yes, but not much.
The role of Sade seemed, to me, to be more suited to Samuel L. Jackson but maybe he wasn't available. We are not used to seeing Fishburne in this kind of a bad guy role, but he does okay not as good as Samuel L. Jackson, perhaps, but okay. Sade comes across Carter's house and a standoff ensues. Carter won't give the girl up.
One would think that this standoff wouldn't last long, but it does and the pacing is pretty good and we aren't bored. Good acting by Jane and Fishburne help that along. There is nothing uncomfortable in here except for the fact that Sade must kill the little girl. (That's uncomfortable enough)
Regardless of any good or great acting by Fishburne and Jane, this is not for everyone. (5/10)
Violence: Yes. Sex: No. Nudity: No. Language: Yes, but not much.
Surprising and Suspenseful
DanLives198021 June 2016
Just beyond the opening scenes, Standoff quickly rises above its cheapness as an enjoyable and gripping suspense thriller. Then we're treated to an old breed of filmmaking that hasn't been this well-done since the likes of Misery! I love both headlining actors dearly but they've unfairly fallen off the radar in recent years. I still buy into their efforts on occasion despite bitter reviews, though, because budget does not always make for a great movie. In this case, it hits the spot.
So an ex-military man turned mafia hit-man hunts the sole witness of a multiple murder - a young girl with a camera - to a lonely farmhouse inhabited by a grieving alcoholic. Literally this is the premise and the scene is set for a siege and an edgy war of wits as one tries to convince the other to let him have the girl and walk away.
Sometimes that's all you need; no winding plot twists to keep people guessing. Sometimes it's just about the suspense and the viscera, but Standoff benefits from a great script and the skills of the director who also wrote it.
It has an old-school feel to it, and when we get down to it, even the look of the film harks back to a day of shamelessly simple effectiveness.
Fishburne is on top form as the villain, bringing the ghetto mentality of former villainous roles from the likes of King of New York and Assault on Precinct 13. He's sharper than ever, bursting with character and both smouldering and cold-blooded.
Thomas Jane also throws in his strongest performance in a long time and his man on the edge versus the man on a deadline is both genius acting and writing at once. They don't make characters like this anymore. Back in the '70s or '80s the role could have belonged to Lee Marvin, James Coburn or Roy Scheider.
I'm surprised and saddened that Standoff isn't getting recognition. It deserves a round of applause!
So an ex-military man turned mafia hit-man hunts the sole witness of a multiple murder - a young girl with a camera - to a lonely farmhouse inhabited by a grieving alcoholic. Literally this is the premise and the scene is set for a siege and an edgy war of wits as one tries to convince the other to let him have the girl and walk away.
Sometimes that's all you need; no winding plot twists to keep people guessing. Sometimes it's just about the suspense and the viscera, but Standoff benefits from a great script and the skills of the director who also wrote it.
It has an old-school feel to it, and when we get down to it, even the look of the film harks back to a day of shamelessly simple effectiveness.
Fishburne is on top form as the villain, bringing the ghetto mentality of former villainous roles from the likes of King of New York and Assault on Precinct 13. He's sharper than ever, bursting with character and both smouldering and cold-blooded.
Thomas Jane also throws in his strongest performance in a long time and his man on the edge versus the man on a deadline is both genius acting and writing at once. They don't make characters like this anymore. Back in the '70s or '80s the role could have belonged to Lee Marvin, James Coburn or Roy Scheider.
I'm surprised and saddened that Standoff isn't getting recognition. It deserves a round of applause!
Flawed but Enjoyable
culmo8025 January 2016
Warning: Spoilers
Obviously this includes spoilers...
Here's a simple film that manages that keep tension throughout it's entirety.
Thomas Jane plays an Army veteran with a troubled past. That troubled past is revealed throughout the first half of the film. Jane and his wife were having arguments ... Jane promised to clean up the yard of junk ... their son tripped and hit his head on a piece of junk, dying in the process ... Jane's wife left him. Jane is planning to kill himself when the story starts. This is kind of a clichéd role, but Jane does play it well.
Lawrence Fishburne plays a hit-man/assassin who is seen killing a woman at a cemetery. He chases the little girl to Jane's farmhouse. Jane has a shotgun and holds off Fishburne. The rest of the film is the cat-and-mouse between the two actors.
The tension is well-done, and the acting is good.
The thing is, Fishburne plays arguably the worst hit-man/assassin. These guys are supposed to invisible, only killing their target. But this guy kills a priest, a bodyguard, an innocent guy (the little girl's uncle), a cop ... Who would hire this guy who leaves such a large body count?
The whole "getting a new lease on life" trope for Jane's character is a bit overdone, but that's okay.
Anyway, this isn't a film you list as one of your favorites, but it is one you'll enjoy watching. It doesn't try to be more than it is.
Here's a simple film that manages that keep tension throughout it's entirety.
Thomas Jane plays an Army veteran with a troubled past. That troubled past is revealed throughout the first half of the film. Jane and his wife were having arguments ... Jane promised to clean up the yard of junk ... their son tripped and hit his head on a piece of junk, dying in the process ... Jane's wife left him. Jane is planning to kill himself when the story starts. This is kind of a clichéd role, but Jane does play it well.
Lawrence Fishburne plays a hit-man/assassin who is seen killing a woman at a cemetery. He chases the little girl to Jane's farmhouse. Jane has a shotgun and holds off Fishburne. The rest of the film is the cat-and-mouse between the two actors.
The tension is well-done, and the acting is good.
The thing is, Fishburne plays arguably the worst hit-man/assassin. These guys are supposed to invisible, only killing their target. But this guy kills a priest, a bodyguard, an innocent guy (the little girl's uncle), a cop ... Who would hire this guy who leaves such a large body count?
The whole "getting a new lease on life" trope for Jane's character is a bit overdone, but that's okay.
Anyway, this isn't a film you list as one of your favorites, but it is one you'll enjoy watching. It doesn't try to be more than it is.
Not Exactly the Battle of Wits That Was Promised...
merridowell22 May 2016
As a fan of Thomas Jane and Lawrence Fishburne, I wanted to like this movie. However, what seemed to be pitched as a battle of wits turned into an hour and half screaming match between the two actors.
The movie is basically Jane attempting to keep a little girl from being killed by Fishburne with his last shotgun shell. The two of them spend the whole movie yelling insults and cursing at each other, with very little happening in between. The script tries to add some story by telling giving Jane's character a tragic backstory, but it really doesn't do much to keep the plot moving.
The best part of the movie is the little girl. Ella Ballentine has some definite talent, and finding out what happens to her is the only reason to finish watching the movie. This young actor adds a weariness and "old soul" quality to her character that makes her seem wiser beyond her years.
While pitched as a battle of wits, this is more of a pissing contest between two stubborn men. If that's your thing, then go for it.
The movie is basically Jane attempting to keep a little girl from being killed by Fishburne with his last shotgun shell. The two of them spend the whole movie yelling insults and cursing at each other, with very little happening in between. The script tries to add some story by telling giving Jane's character a tragic backstory, but it really doesn't do much to keep the plot moving.
The best part of the movie is the little girl. Ella Ballentine has some definite talent, and finding out what happens to her is the only reason to finish watching the movie. This young actor adds a weariness and "old soul" quality to her character that makes her seem wiser beyond her years.
While pitched as a battle of wits, this is more of a pissing contest between two stubborn men. If that's your thing, then go for it.
Exactly As Ordered. Satisfies.
vmmarysville15 December 2018
"Not in the mood for documentaries, history, deep thinking or subtitles, honey. Just grab the popcorn and dial up a good action flick."
Here y'go.
No Cecil B DeMille spectacular, high-budget blockbuster or attempt of cinematic landmark such as "Scarface" or "In Cold Blood." But that wasn't what you ordered, was it? Just. A. Good. Action. Flick. One that satisfies.
Fishburne and Jane alone have never disappointed and have again maintained that status, elevating this piece above the standard expectations/delivery.
No Cecil B DeMille spectacular, high-budget blockbuster or attempt of cinematic landmark such as "Scarface" or "In Cold Blood." But that wasn't what you ordered, was it? Just. A. Good. Action. Flick. One that satisfies.
Fishburne and Jane alone have never disappointed and have again maintained that status, elevating this piece above the standard expectations/delivery.
It Packs A Lot Of Good Stuff Into Less Than 90 Minutes
sddavis6313 May 2017
I have to honestly say that I wasn't expecting very much from this movie when I put it on. It had a solid enough cast - the leads are Laurence Fishburne and Thomas Jane (not spectacular actors in my opinion, but decent enough) - but, still, I wasn't really expecting much out of it. I was surprised - pleasantly. This movie packs a lot into less than an hour and a half and it doesn't use the traditional formula you expect. That was probably why my expectations were low. I was expecting this to be formulaic. A young girl witnesses a mass shooting at a funeral in a cemetery, gets a picture of the shooter and then has to run for her life to get away from him. She finds refuge in a farmhouse with a veteran who swears he'll protect her. You expect guns ablazin' from that point on, but for the most part you don't get it. Don't get me wrong. It is violent at times - and unsettling (especially when Sade, the killer, tortures the cop who had come to the house in a bid to get Carter to give up Bird) - but basically this is a psychological thriller. Sade and Carter talk to each other, taunt each other, try to push each other's buttons. Sade's on the main floor, Carter and Bird are upstairs. Each has a gun. It's a stalemate. You watch it unfold as each tries to get an advantage on the other. You can guess how it's going to end - but you don't know exactly how it's going to get there.
I wasn't sure about Fishburne as the killer. Somehow, he didn't fit that role for me - but his performance was extremely good, as was Thomas Jane's as Carter. This was the first time I'd seen Ella Ballentine, who played Bird, and I thought she did a pretty decent job in that role as well. Two things would have made me appreciate this a little more. First, we had no real backstory about the killings. Sade just shows up at the funeral and opens fire. I know that the story was the standoff between Carter and Sade, but I would have appreciated a little bit of knowledge about why the whole situation started. Sade kept referring to his "employer" but we never found out who the employer was, or why Sade had been hired to do the killings. And then the killings themselves. It was a pretty lousy idea, to be honest. Killing people at a cemetery while there's an interment going on? There would have been cemetery workers around, ready to seal the grave when the service was finished. You don't just leave graves open. But even if there weren't for some reason, they'd have to come pretty soon to seal the grave - and they'd surely have been suspicious when they found the grave that they had to close already closed up? So hiding the bodies that way was ridiculous.
Still - this is a really good and tense psychological thriller. It's simple and straightforward, shot pretty much entirely in the house. It's a pretty good movie to spend an afternoon with. (7/10)
I wasn't sure about Fishburne as the killer. Somehow, he didn't fit that role for me - but his performance was extremely good, as was Thomas Jane's as Carter. This was the first time I'd seen Ella Ballentine, who played Bird, and I thought she did a pretty decent job in that role as well. Two things would have made me appreciate this a little more. First, we had no real backstory about the killings. Sade just shows up at the funeral and opens fire. I know that the story was the standoff between Carter and Sade, but I would have appreciated a little bit of knowledge about why the whole situation started. Sade kept referring to his "employer" but we never found out who the employer was, or why Sade had been hired to do the killings. And then the killings themselves. It was a pretty lousy idea, to be honest. Killing people at a cemetery while there's an interment going on? There would have been cemetery workers around, ready to seal the grave when the service was finished. You don't just leave graves open. But even if there weren't for some reason, they'd have to come pretty soon to seal the grave - and they'd surely have been suspicious when they found the grave that they had to close already closed up? So hiding the bodies that way was ridiculous.
Still - this is a really good and tense psychological thriller. It's simple and straightforward, shot pretty much entirely in the house. It's a pretty good movie to spend an afternoon with. (7/10)
It's a decent rental
KineticSeoul28 January 2016
Warning: Spoilers
If you are expecting a Gun-toting action movie with a lot of back forth shooting sequences. Than I will say this movie is far from it, it's more of a psychological movie where a hit-man played by Laurence Fishburne and a war veteran played by Thomas Jane. It's more of a trash talking movie where each side is trying to win by trash talking and using psychological warfare. Where both sides does bring up some good points about each other and get them to face who they really are. I will say Laurence Fishburne really reminded me of Samuel L. Jackson in this. Where he is out of his mind, but plays it off cool while being a bit loud and yet intimidating. He also brings out few pointers that is either stylish or does make sense to a certain degree. The human consciousness and the will to survive and the will to fight for the ones they love get put into play. And that includes the human morality as well. This isn't a very deep movie or something that will be a cult film in my opinion. But it is a worthy rental, it's simply a decent film to just sit back with a bowl of popcorn with the family and enjoy. The violence is not that bad.
6.5/10
6.5/10
A Little On The Stagey Side
redrobin62-321-20731112 February 2016
I think this is the first fair to middling grade I've given to a film on IMDb. The movie is worth it just for the acting alone. Since it's basically set in one location like a Broadway play, it does have a talky-stagey feel, kinda like a profane and violent Tennessee Williams outing, if you will.
All three leads were right on point with their acting. The standout, to me, was Ella Ballentine. Her role here was probably Oscar material except it happened to be in a film which isn't. I stopped the movie halfway through to google her resume. She's done a lot of work and I expect her to grow into a super fine actress like Meryl Street or Jodie Foster.
The "stretch" with this movie was the dialog. It was too lengthy and improbable, but I guess they did have to stretch the film out to 90 minutes so they may as well had the characters talking and talking and talking. This makes for an interesting character study but not necessarily for an exciting film. If you see this movie, that's cool. If you don't, that's okay, too. It wasn't a total waste of time. I've seen worse.
All three leads were right on point with their acting. The standout, to me, was Ella Ballentine. Her role here was probably Oscar material except it happened to be in a film which isn't. I stopped the movie halfway through to google her resume. She's done a lot of work and I expect her to grow into a super fine actress like Meryl Street or Jodie Foster.
The "stretch" with this movie was the dialog. It was too lengthy and improbable, but I guess they did have to stretch the film out to 90 minutes so they may as well had the characters talking and talking and talking. This makes for an interesting character study but not necessarily for an exciting film. If you see this movie, that's cool. If you don't, that's okay, too. It wasn't a total waste of time. I've seen worse.
Avoid
keithdonald1 March 2016
Warning: Spoilers
Dear oh dear there seems to be a lot of easily pleased reviewers here. My eyes are sore, rubbing them so hard reading the praise this film is getting. Granted, everyone has their point-of-view but for me this film was poor at best.
At the beginning of the film the assassin (Lawrence Fishburne) kills four people at the side of an open grave at a funeral; this of course spikes interest for the viewer wanting to know why such a dastardly deed has been undertaken. You will be waiting a long time as no explanation is ever given. Adding to your frustration is the four are then tipped into the open grave and the assassin feels the need to fill the grave in the middle of the day in broad daylight. Hardly, rule number one in the assassin's handbook. If this is not implausible enough a young girl happens to be taking a photograph just when the assassin looks up. He gives chase, killing another person in the process, to a lone farm house, where a veteran soldier (Thomas Jane) is standing on the veranda. So if you were the assassin what would you do? Well rule number two in the assassin's handbook is to take a pot shot at him with a handgun from about 200 metres! Absolute nonsense. The rest of the film is rhetoric between the two men, one wanting the girl and the other not wanting to give her up. Quite why Lawrence Fishburne didn't figure out to set fire to the property is a mystery.
So there you have it, a film full of clichés, no sense of reality and for me wooden acting all round. Ella Ballentine's acting was so twee as the little girl I felt like killing her myself. The only positive is that the film only runs for 100 minutes so you are not 'climbing walls' for too long.
At the beginning of the film the assassin (Lawrence Fishburne) kills four people at the side of an open grave at a funeral; this of course spikes interest for the viewer wanting to know why such a dastardly deed has been undertaken. You will be waiting a long time as no explanation is ever given. Adding to your frustration is the four are then tipped into the open grave and the assassin feels the need to fill the grave in the middle of the day in broad daylight. Hardly, rule number one in the assassin's handbook. If this is not implausible enough a young girl happens to be taking a photograph just when the assassin looks up. He gives chase, killing another person in the process, to a lone farm house, where a veteran soldier (Thomas Jane) is standing on the veranda. So if you were the assassin what would you do? Well rule number two in the assassin's handbook is to take a pot shot at him with a handgun from about 200 metres! Absolute nonsense. The rest of the film is rhetoric between the two men, one wanting the girl and the other not wanting to give her up. Quite why Lawrence Fishburne didn't figure out to set fire to the property is a mystery.
So there you have it, a film full of clichés, no sense of reality and for me wooden acting all round. Ella Ballentine's acting was so twee as the little girl I felt like killing her myself. The only positive is that the film only runs for 100 minutes so you are not 'climbing walls' for too long.
A Solid, Suspenseful, but Violent Low-budget Melodrama
zardoz-1327 December 2018
Warning: Spoilers
Writer & director Adam Alleca's minimalistic, tightly-scripted, cat & mouse thriller "Standoff" lives up to its title with suspenseful situations and colorful dialogue. This spare, spartan, low-budget, hero versus villain melodrama benefits from strong performances from Thomas Jane and Lawrence Fishburne who refuse to back down. Clocking in at 86 economical minutes, "Standoff" unfolds with villainous Sade (Lawrence Fishburne of "The Matrix") murdering a priest and two bystanders at a funeral, while 12-year old, orphan girl Isabelle, nicknamed 'Bird' (a bespectacled Ella Ballentine), snaps pictures of him after he sheds his mask. Sade is surprised and shocked that this child has taken his picture. Indisputably, he must now either eliminate her or face arrest and execution. She flees from the scene of the crime and winds up at the residence of a grieving man, Carter (Thomas Jane of "The Punisher"), who has lost his son and plans to commit suicide. During their initial confrontation, Sade and Carter exchange shots and wound each other. Sade takes a burst of buckshot in his ribs, while Carter is crippled by an ankle shot. The two guys and the little girl spend most of "Standoff" in Carter's brick farmhouse in the middle of nowhere. This isolation raises the stakes for a while, until a State Trooper hears Sade discharge his automatic pistol. Meantime, Sade and Carter imitate Rambo by cauterizing their own respective wounds with glowing knives. Sade remains downstairs while Carter guards the top of the stairs on the second floor. Neither man plans to back down. Sade boasts a veritable arsenal of firearms and ammunition while Carter has a .20 gauge, single-barreled shotgun. Sade and Carter carry on a running conversation, with Sade trying futilely to bargain with Carter. Alleca maintains an air of tension and ratchets up the suspense with some grisly shots of their respective wounds. Possibly the most agonizing episode occurs when a young, inexperienced State Policeman, Gerald Baker (Jim Watson of "Crimson Peak"), responds to the call and finds himself in greater danger than either Isabelle or Carter. Basically, this psychological showdown arouses your paranoia owing to its claustrophobic setting and Fishburne's evil turn as the killer. "Stand0ff" qualifies as above-average despite its low-budget.
Mothers, please do not allow your little boys to wander off and become directors
jwb0012 February 2016
Warning: Spoilers
How can the audience get immersed in a movie that lacks plausibility in every aspect?
Events would never transpire as depicted. A contract killer (Sade) delays his escape to shovel dirt into a grave? During a shootout, the girl (Bird) decides to stroll from a room into the line of fire?
Acting approaches the melodramatic. When Carter transitions from potential suicide to inducted savior, the look on his face is almost laughable. Bird's amateurish performance belongs in an elementary school production, not a feature film.
Adam Alleca as director? Really? He doesn't even have a Wiki page yet (yeah, I know, as though it's the measure of success). The world can barely swallow that he scripted "Cell" with Stephen King. Obviously, the casting couch now offers positions for directors and screenwriters, too.
The film does have some good stretches, specifically scenes involving Officer Baker as well as Sade's (far-too-short) period of silence.
Overall, though, "Standoff" embarrasses B movies--don't waste time here.
Events would never transpire as depicted. A contract killer (Sade) delays his escape to shovel dirt into a grave? During a shootout, the girl (Bird) decides to stroll from a room into the line of fire?
Acting approaches the melodramatic. When Carter transitions from potential suicide to inducted savior, the look on his face is almost laughable. Bird's amateurish performance belongs in an elementary school production, not a feature film.
Adam Alleca as director? Really? He doesn't even have a Wiki page yet (yeah, I know, as though it's the measure of success). The world can barely swallow that he scripted "Cell" with Stephen King. Obviously, the casting couch now offers positions for directors and screenwriters, too.
The film does have some good stretches, specifically scenes involving Officer Baker as well as Sade's (far-too-short) period of silence.
Overall, though, "Standoff" embarrasses B movies--don't waste time here.
No Oscars..No cgi ..but damn what a great movie!
paulmacqueen7019 September 2018
I went into this totally expecting a very middle of the road flick...
But i was surprised no end by how invested you become in this movie!
The characters might only be very loosely thrown at us,and yet you cant hep feeling attached to them.
The wounded vet...
The heartless hitman....
And of course the innocent victim...
And yet this flick finds a heart to it that i cant explain!!!
OUTSTANDING THRILLER WITH OUTSTANDING PERFORMANCES
lukem-5276010 March 2019
Standoff is one Brilliantly made suspense filled Thriller with Career best performance by the excellent underrated THOMAS JANE!!!
Tom Jane gives a truly outstanding raw & powerful tortured performance & in fact one the greatest I've ever seen in cinema!!!
His acting as a tortured lost & suicidal grieving father who lost his young boy by a tragic accident is so raw & moving he should of gotten massive recognition or an award easily!!!!
Also Lawrence Fishburne gives an equally outstanding gritty & angry performance as a deadly hitman hunting down a little girl who saw his face & took a picture & ends up at Carter's (tom jane) big old farm house where the standoff takes place.
This is truly an instant CLASSIC in my opinion!!! It's excellently directed with a dark moody look to it almost 70's style of filmmaking that sort of dark look & tone for those crime Thrillers it's a fantastic powerful movie. Tom Jane is one of my favourite actors who has got better & better
This is truly an instant CLASSIC in my opinion!!! It's excellently directed with a dark moody look to it almost 70's style of filmmaking that sort of dark look & tone for those crime Thrillers it's a fantastic powerful movie. Tom Jane is one of my favourite actors who has got better & better
Balanced pacing and sheer intensity from the actors overcome its ridiculously over-the-top premise.
quincytheodore14 January 2016
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.
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