Sunny Lewis If you are offended by nudity, perversity or violence this movie is not for you. There is plenty of all three and the violence is at times unremitting. But these features are not gratuitous - they are part and parcel of the setting, plot and character development and the film would not be what it is without them, especially as it is based on a play - if you are expecting to get a good look at life in Texas, you will be disappointed as pretty much everything takes place indoors. But what does take place will have you glued to the screen. Most of your personal problems will fade away as you find yourself enrapt by the almost surreal problems and solutions the characters have to deal with. I should also mention that the actors were superb. They must have been drained after a day's work. But for some strange reason when the movie ended I snapped out of my usual lethargy and hustled out for a brisk walk. Maybe it'll have the same effect on you. And we all need our exercise.

WildBullWriter This flick is awful on every level. The story is ridiculous, the characters unbelievable, the bad acting comical (though not meant to be). It is like a very, very bad cartoon. I watched it because someone told me it is "interesting" and I kept waiting, waiting, waiting for it to get interesting... and by the end had sorely regretted wasting my time. Even worse, I now have all the stupid imagery stored somewhere in my brain.And one more thing: The violence, including the sexual violence, is all gratuitous. Maybe that's why some people watch the flick. It's another reason why I wish I had not.I am bewildered that a director like Friedkin would have been even remotely connected to such a travesty. Also amazed that the actors, some with good reputations for their work, would have participated in this mess.

sol- Under pressure from loan sharks, a young gambling addict hires a crooked cop to kill his mother for the life insurance money, but nothing quite goes to plan in this engrossing drama starring Emile Hirsch and Matthew McConaughey as the gambler and cop respectively. McConaughey received a lot of praise for his performance at the time, all of which is justified. There is not a single likable character in this dark, bleak tale, however, McConaughey is always fascinating to watch, elucidating some very rigid rules of conduct and oozing danger at every turn. While he does explicitly taunt, intimidate or hurt Hirsch, unlike the loan shark and his goons, there is a constant sense that McConaughey might in fact be a more sinister and vicious character, especially as he starts making demands of Hirsch's teenage sister and begins bossing his father around. For all its virtues, the film also has a baffling black comedy streak to it, and the final twenty minutes or so are done with an uncomfortably comedic vibe. This ultimately leads to the film ending on an odd note with a sudden cut to black that leaves everything hanging. That said, the final twenty minutes are the most memorable of the movie with McConaughey completely losing the cool and calm demeanour he until then exhibited throughout; the final twenty minutes also go a long way to explaining the quizzical chicken wing promotional posters for the film.

Nick Dees Like some of the other reviews have said, you are in for a wild ride if you decide to watch this movie. I just hope that you have a very strong stomach. Personally I loved it, after all isn't that why we go to the movies in order to escape reality. Sure at times it may not be a pretty site bit sometimes life isn't pretty. Sure they tend to exaggerate and overdo everything in the movies you have to admit it makes for an entertaining time, just like Killer Joe does. Some people did leave the theatre and were repulsed but hey its a film festival you are seeing unrated films that may or may not have undergone a final edit you should be prepared for the worse. Just watch it and tell me honestly you didn't enjoy yourself.