The Unscarred (2000)

The Unscarred (2000). 1h 32m

“Just saw this film a week ago in a premier showing at the 3rd Cinemuerte film festival that takes place in Vancouver, B.C. And in the spirit of films like u0026#39;Shallow Graveu0026#39; and u0026#39;Reservoir Dogsu0026#39; comes this fun and surprising unpredictable thriller from director Buddy Giovinazzo (u0026#39;Combat Shocku0026#39; and u0026#39;No Way Homeu0026#39;)u003cbr/u003eu003cbr/u003eI donu0026#39;t want to ruin the plot, suffice to say James Russo give a great performance as the forty something Micky, who in serious debt with only a few days to pay off or else, gets an unexpected call and plane fare to meet in Germany for a reunion with three other exchange students he knew 20 years earlier when, in a drunken night of excess, his baseball career was cut short due to an accident caused by one of these three. Once in Germany an accident (maybe) involving the death of a young woman causes an escalation of events where secrets are revealed, plot twists are plenty, and by the end no one is left unscarred. ( Clever use of film title in review )u003cbr/u003eu003cbr/u003enThe best thing I can say about this film is that besides the technical excellence displayed, there were many moments where this film could have become excessive and over the top and at these times the director knew to pull back and keep the film on a subtle plot-course. It does come close to being silly a few times, Iu0026#39;ll admit, but never once does it step over that line, and these days that is a remarkable achievement.u003cbr/u003eu003cbr/u003eOver all, I highly recommend this film for itu0026#39;s direction, acting, photography, and in particular the writing, where the pacing of the film was so well done I never had the chance to get ahead of the plot. Well, maybe near the end, but so what?u003cbr/u003eu003cbr/u003eThis a good, tight, suspense filled drama that deserves some serious attention. Check it out.”