With the abundance of mega-budgeted, star studded films
being released each year there are a ton of smaller films that gain little
notice but that possess more storytelling than those same effects laden flicks
we flock to at the nearby theater. Fortunately we have access to those movies,
movies that deserve more attention than they receive, once they hit DVD. One
such movie is THE STANDOFF AT SPARROW CREEK.
Alone and listening automatic fire and explosions ex-officer
and now militia member Gannon (James Badge Dale) turns on his police scanner
and hears that a militia group has gunned down a number of officers at the
funeral of one of their own. Taking off he heads for the headquarters of his
militia group where the founding members have gathered to find out what is
going on.
The group is limited in number, about 6 in total, and no one
claims to have led this attack. But one gun is missing as well as several
explosives. Ford (Chris Mulkey), the leader of the group, finds himself able to
trust Gannon and asks him to put his police talents to work, questioning the
others to find out who launched the attack.
One by one each is interrogated and each has their own story
to tell. We learn the most likely suspect lost his family and the response from
the police was less than helpful. Another had to move after having killed
someone in his home state. Each man has the potential to be the culprit but
they also have possible alibis.
As the night wears on more problems arise. Militia groups
around the country inspired by these events have begun their own attacks on
local police forces. They see it as an uprising against the system. Deciphering
the clues is what Gannon is left with as he attempts to find out who the guilty
party was, save the group from being destroyed by a vengeful police force and
stopping the madness across the country.
The movie works on various levels and plays out it an
amazing way. Taking place almost completely in a few rooms at a lumber mill the
leader owns there is little action on display here and plenty of dialogue that
examines each man and his motives for being there. In addition to that we learn
early on that one of the members is a plant sent in by the police months ago.
But even he has the potential of being the one to start it all. As Gannon goes
through the list of suspects deciding who the guilty party was doesn’t become
as easy as one would expect. The ending is even more surprising.
Led by Dale and Mulkey every single performance here is
outstanding. Every actor on board brings their character to life and has you
moving back and forth from anger to sympathy and then confusion. You find them
all believable and at times can understand what would have driven them to this
madness and membership. But would it be enough to make someone start a
potential civil war? The only way to find out is to watch this film, a movie
worth your time and attention.
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