Heaven or Hell
Walter
Review by Ross Anthony

The careful direction and warm cinematography give this film a lovely lightness and glow. The editing is picture perfect and punctual. Not only is every edit button fastened with compulsive obsessive care, but manipulation of speed, both fast and slow, accent as sharply as a red bow tie. The same is true of the score. I love the punchy march that returns for each walk to work, it's an anchor in a wonderfully eclectic score that never bores, always adds, and gives the film a strong heart beat.

Despite a rather linear storyline, and the fact that the the camera seldom strays (if ever) from the main character, a few nice twists and a sweet surrealism keep the film quite engaging. And while West (as Walter) gives a well-enough performance, it's really Justin Kirk whose acting chops grace the film with some welcome bite. Perhaps it's just coincidence, but Kirk plays the character "Greg" as Greg Kinnear would have.

The picture has a good attitude! Its positive theme encourages us along that journey of self-improvement, whether we're too-tied into realty or simply wrestling with a workable bout of mental illness.

-- Books by Ross Anthony, Author/Illustrator --


  • Walter. Copyright © 2015.
  • Starring Virginia Madsen, Andrew J. West, Justin Kirk, William H. Macy. Directed by Anna Mastro. Written by Paul Shoulberg.

Grade..........................A- (3/4)


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Copyright © 1998-2023 Ross Anthony, Author - Speaker - Solo World Circumnavigator In addition to reviewing films and interviewing celebs at HollywoodReportCard.com, traveling the world, composing great music, motivational speaking, Mr. Anthony also runs his own publishing company in the Los Angeles area. While traversing the circumference of the planet writing books and shooting documentaries, Mr. Anthony has taught, presented for, worked &/or played with locals in over 30 countries & 100 cities (Nairobi to Nagasaki). He's bungee-jumped from a bridge near Victoria Falls, wrestled with lions in Zimbabwe, crashed a Vespa off a high mountain road in Taiwan, and ridden a dirt bike across the States (Washington State to Washington DC). To get signed books ("Rodney Appleseed" to "Jinshirou") or schedule Ross to speak check out: www.RossAnthony.com or call 1-800-767-7186. Go into the world and inspire the people you meet with your love, kindness, and whatever it is you're really good at. Check out books by Ross Anthony. Rand() functions, Pho chicken soup, rollerblading, and frozen yogurt (w/ blueberries) also rock! (Btw, rand is short for random. It can also stand for "Really Awkward Nutty Dinosaurs" -- which is quite rand, isn't it?) Being alive is the miracle. Special thanks to Ken Kocanda, HAL, Jodie Keszek, Don Haderlein, Mom and Pops, my family, R. Foss, and many others by Ross Anthony. Galati-FE also deserves a shout out. And thanks to all of you for your interest and optimism. Enjoy great films, read stirring novels, grow.


Last Modified: Friday, 20-Mar-2015 16:46:05 PDT