Dynamixor
The performances transcend the film's tropes, grounding it in characters that feel more complete than this subgenre often produces.
Fairaher
The film makes a home in your brain and the only cure is to see it again.
Hattie
I didn’t really have many expectations going into the movie (good or bad), but I actually really enjoyed it. I really liked the characters and the banter between them.
Larry Silverstein
After viewing writer and director Chad Hartigan's latest film "Morris From America", I went back to look at this 2013 movie of his. I'm very glad I did, as I found this indie to be a most wonderful and engaging movie, which I thoroughly enjoyed from start to finish.The writing is impeccably sharp here, with the characters being vivid and real. Paul Eenhoom stars as Martin Bonner, who is working as a volunteer for a Christian outreach program specializing in helping recently released prisoners adjust to society again. Richmond Arquette co-stars as Travis Holloway, who has just finished serving a 12 year sentence for manslaughter (driving drunk), in a Nevada penitentiary. The film will focus on the bonding that will occur between the two men, as Travis attempts to get a new start to his life, and I thought both actors were superb in their roles.All in all, if you don't need an action flick to keep you happy and you like this type of character driven movie, then I can highly recommend this one.
rooprect
No, "This Is Martin Bonner" doesn't have any space ships, murdering computers, murdering apes or 20-minute acid trips, but something about it reminds me of the epic 2001: A Space Odyssey. I think it's the way it approaches the concept of "god", like 2001, presenting the audience with a vision that each person may interpret in a different way."This Is Martin Bonner" is a seemingly uneventful 3 days in the lives of Martin Bonner, a Christian social worker who helps ex-convicts adjust to civilian life, and Travis, an ex-con who has just been released. There is a recurring religious angle that pops up occasionally (Martin Bonner was an ex priest who lost his faith), but it's presented in an objective way which allows us to see it the way we want to see it. It neither preaches nor bashes the Christian religion but instead takes us straight up the middle. Like 2001, it presents a powerful message that may be interpreted as spiritual or mundane, godly or existentialistically. But whichever way you take it, there *is* a message.It's hard to say anything more without injecting my own subjective spin, so I won't. I'll just say this is a slow-moving film with many pauses for reflection, many questions, many answers, and characters whom you generally like. There are no villains, no traditional conflicts other than those each character individually faces within his heart. There are certainly no car chases or shootouts, so if you're looking for that, this ain't the place. But if you're looking for a deep slice of life, then here it is.I would compare this to other quiet yet powerful films like "About Schmidt" with Jack Nicholson, Wim Wenders' "Paris Texas" and maybe the French "I've Loved You So Long". If you like films that touch on religious themes without coming on too strong in either direction, this fits right alongside the excellent "Sympathy for Delicious" (about a young priest and his faithless rockstar buddy) and "Into Temptation" (about a naïve priest trying to stop a prostitute's suicide).
nootch23
I came into this film expecting a character driven story without much action and that is exactly what I got. Overall, I liked the film. Each character's back story helped guide the audience into understanding what was currently going on. The characters are so well explained that I was able to relate to them and empathize with them. Travis is such a heartbreaking character that you almost feel relieved Martin comes along into his life. I can't leave out that beautiful 360 degree pan the camera takes in the hotel parking lot. Really effective method to help put yourself into the character's position of confusion and being at a crossroads, not knowing where to go or how to proceed. The only thing that left me a little unsatisfied with the story was that it kind of felt the relationship between Martin and Travis was simply one way. I don't feel Travis' character gave anything to Martin's character. That was the only thing I had against the film. Paul Eenhoorn and Richmond Arquette gave exquisite performances. Pretty decent film and can't wait to see how this director continues to develop as he continues to make movies.
farron34
I'm not sure what to make of this film, it came across as very disjointed. The characters seemed very shallow and not really at all interesting or engaging. There were several scenes that seemed out of place or completely needless. Many scenes also seemed far too long and awkward. Honestly, it's a miracle I made it through the whole film and didn't turn it off. I kept hoping it would get better. Not so much. I am amazed this film is rated as high as it is. Cinematically, that camera work was nothing special. However, there were a few scenes where the camera work was distracting and also a few awkward slow-motion moments. The acting seemed very rigid, and not natural at all. It also seemed a bit preachy in spots, it appears that regurgitation of an agenda was more important than a dynamic story.
