An engaging meditation on camaraderie, manhood, and in some ways, the blurry distinction between discipline and abuse. Paul Newman plays a great character that I was rooting for from the beginning of the movie to his tragic end. Credit also goes to George Kennedy's performance as 'Dragline'. Excellent character development and interchange amongst the cast members all around.

A spoof classic that I found funny, not hilarious. The jokes usually land, other times they're more silly and goofy than actually funny. Leslie Nielsen (R.I.P.) was born for these roles.

This is the 2nd 'Jeremy Saulnier' film I've seen in the last 2 months and, compared to 'Green Room', I'd say I didn't enjoy this one as much, BUT I did enjoy it overall. It's incredibly slow-burn paced, but the performances give off a tangible sense of dread and intensity which serve as the anchor preventing the film from being dull. Bloody for sure, 'Blue Ruin' manages to keep you engaged as to what will happen next thanks to its low-key ominous score, leisurely paced plot, meditative storytelling, and "characters" that feel like real people. A very strong 3.5.

The performances are the major driving force behind this movie. They're very good. The plot within the story however, more often than not, feels flat.