'A MOST VIOLENT YEAR': Four and a Half Stars (Out of Five)

Critically acclaimed crime drama flick, written and directed by J.C. Chandor (who also performed both duties on 2011's 'MARGIN CALL' and 2013's 'ALL IS LOST'). The film is set in New York City, in 1981; which was (statistically speaking) one of the most violent years in the city's history. It revolves around an immigrant, desperately trying to expand his business. The movie stars Oscar Isaac, Jessica Chastain, David Oyelowo (of recent 'SELMA' and 'INTERSTELLAR' fame), Iyes Gabel, Alessandro Nivola and Albert Brooks. It's a somewhat long and slow paced film but it's also extremely well made and fittingly stylistic; much better than Chandor's previous two film efforts.

Isaac plays Abel Morales; an immigrant running a successful heating oil distribution company, in 1981 New York City. He wants to broaden his business, even further, but the dangerous crime, of the times, threatens to get in his way. Chastain plays Abel's wife, and business partner, Anna. Brooks plays Abel's attorney, Andrew Walsh. Oyelowo plays a man investigating Abel's company, for suspected foul play, named Lawrence. Gabel plays a truck driver, working for Morales, who is most victimized by the violent crime effecting the business. Nivola plays a small part, as well, as a rival heating oil distributor.

I was not a fan of Chandor's first two feature films; I found them to be ambitious, and somewhat well made, but ultimately very boring. This movie is slow, and dull at times, too; but it's also much more fascinating and involving (even suspenseful at times). I love all of the performances in it (especially Isaac's) and my favorite part of the movie is it's score (by Alex Ebert); which heavily uses synthesizers and is also very reminiscent of other crime films, from the early 80s, too. The film itself is also nostalgic and extremely faithful to the style, and mood, of classic 70s and 80s crime flicks as well. It's definitely a well made and memorable film.

Watch our movie review show 'MOVIE TALK' at: http://youtu.be/fbw9P594Crc