Samuel Jackson shows off his acting chops in this gritty action thriller, with supporting actors doing a great job. He plays a man fresh out of prison after twenty five years who wants to go straight, but as it's mentioned in the movie, cons always say that at first. His past catches up to him in a huge way. Sure, we've seen plenty of this before, but the action moves right along with suitably dark sets and mood music to accompany all the nifty twists and turns. A nice surprise is young Ruth Negga who more than holds her own with the veterans. All in all a good effort, well worth the time to seek out, especially for Jackson fans.
57 Reviews
Very good film noir
mizwright22 April 2012
Samuel Jackson, executive producer, takes a big gamble with this movie because of its genre: film noir. These movies aren't made anymore. At one time they were prominent with stars like Barbara Stanwyck, Jimmy Cagney, Humphrey Bogart. The bad girl, the man she strings along, the steal, the con. Film noir is one of my favorite genres and I'm sorry that we don't have the pleasure of seeing them like we did.
This is an indy film, and will probably be released to the art houses. It's a good movie. Smart script, good acting. Twists and turns and a major surprise about mid-way that may make you stop the tape, walk away take a breath, come back and continue watching. I saw this video on demand. Jackson gives a worthy Oscar-rated performance, but I doubt since this is an indy movie and won't be seen by many he will get it. The main female actress, Ruth Negga, is a standout as the lost soul who gets used by man after man and finally with the help of the con Foley (Jackson) gets a second chance in life.
This is an indy film, and will probably be released to the art houses. It's a good movie. Smart script, good acting. Twists and turns and a major surprise about mid-way that may make you stop the tape, walk away take a breath, come back and continue watching. I saw this video on demand. Jackson gives a worthy Oscar-rated performance, but I doubt since this is an indy movie and won't be seen by many he will get it. The main female actress, Ruth Negga, is a standout as the lost soul who gets used by man after man and finally with the help of the con Foley (Jackson) gets a second chance in life.
Performances
kosmasp14 October 2012
Samuel L. Jackson and his "rival" in this movie bring their A-game for this. I can only imagine that Sam read the script and went "Holy ..." when he read one of the "turning points" in it. It's really something, though maybe not completely unpredictable, it did catch me by surprise and was a nice thing.
While the cover might be suggesting more action that is actually in this, it still is highly thrilling and tries to stay as grounded (in reality) as possible. It achieves that more often than not and will surely not only appeal to fans of Mr. Jackson. Maybe the bad guy here will get a few new fans as well. It's not an easy task to hold your own against the sheer ferocity and will of Sam. A nice little thriller that can ...
While the cover might be suggesting more action that is actually in this, it still is highly thrilling and tries to stay as grounded (in reality) as possible. It achieves that more often than not and will surely not only appeal to fans of Mr. Jackson. Maybe the bad guy here will get a few new fans as well. It's not an easy task to hold your own against the sheer ferocity and will of Sam. A nice little thriller that can ...
Better than I expected
bowmanblue8 February 2015
I can't work out Samuel L Jackson - he's an A-list actor, who repeatedly turns up in these 'straight to DVD' type films. Fury has received no theatrical cinema release, no real marketing campaign and little online publicity except simply appearing among countless other releases.
Jackson plays an ex con who's spent most of his life in prison and is now trying to go straight in his old age. Guess what, he doesn't. He gets sucked into a web of blackmail by a face from his past and soon he's involved in a dodgy and dangerous scam. Okay, so the plot isn't that original, but maybe that's the point. There's nothing new here, but that's not so bad.
Fury ticks all the boxes. It has plot twists, shoot-outs and some double-crossing. It'll never be a classic, like Pulp Fiction, but if you like heist, gangster or con-artist movies (as it borrows from all genres), you may get something out of this. Plus it has Samuel L Jackson, who always puts in a good performance.
Not amazing, but enjoyable if you're in the mood.
Jackson plays an ex con who's spent most of his life in prison and is now trying to go straight in his old age. Guess what, he doesn't. He gets sucked into a web of blackmail by a face from his past and soon he's involved in a dodgy and dangerous scam. Okay, so the plot isn't that original, but maybe that's the point. There's nothing new here, but that's not so bad.
Fury ticks all the boxes. It has plot twists, shoot-outs and some double-crossing. It'll never be a classic, like Pulp Fiction, but if you like heist, gangster or con-artist movies (as it borrows from all genres), you may get something out of this. Plus it has Samuel L Jackson, who always puts in a good performance.
Not amazing, but enjoyable if you're in the mood.
an americanized Korean "oldboy"
rightwingisevil7 April 2012
Warning: Spoilers
by the time when i watched this movie about 40 minutes, i realized it was just another americanized Hollywood version adapted from the Cannes festival awarded best film, 'oldboy', an extremely sad and sorrowful movie about the redemption, revenge, generation gap, the unknown factor of the fatal tragic doom, yet both of these movies were adapted from the Greek tragedy, 'oedipus the king', with a little twist of the involved characters, but nonetheless, still on the same family tree.
this American version is in general, not a bad adaption, it's as dark and dangerous as the 'oldboy', using the same core of Athenian tragedy that human beings are nothing but the puppets manipulated by the goddess of fate, and nothing you encountered later in your life was not originated from what you did in the past. life is a terrible joke that you play to yourself, no matter how correct the palm reading told, you just can't avoid what must, should and would happen in your whole life. everybody already got a fixed screenplay of fate, fortune, luck or misfortune, you have to play it as it has been pre-scripted, even the Greek king couldn't get away from it.
i strongly recommend both, watching 'oldboy' and read the Greek tragedy, because this is the only way to make you become more pessimistic (but of course i'm joking).
this American version is in general, not a bad adaption, it's as dark and dangerous as the 'oldboy', using the same core of Athenian tragedy that human beings are nothing but the puppets manipulated by the goddess of fate, and nothing you encountered later in your life was not originated from what you did in the past. life is a terrible joke that you play to yourself, no matter how correct the palm reading told, you just can't avoid what must, should and would happen in your whole life. everybody already got a fixed screenplay of fate, fortune, luck or misfortune, you have to play it as it has been pre-scripted, even the Greek king couldn't get away from it.
i strongly recommend both, watching 'oldboy' and read the Greek tragedy, because this is the only way to make you become more pessimistic (but of course i'm joking).
Not a bad Friday Night Movie
FilmPulse13 May 2012
Warning: Spoilers
David Weaver has said that brilliant films like Neil Jordan's Mona Lisa and The Crying Game as well as Jonathan Glazer's Sexy Beast were primary influences on his new film, The Samaritan. There are other phenomenal films I can think of that are comparable, but the big secrets in those films would reveal a secret in the current movie. These masterpieces (or near-masterpieces depending upon one's persuasion) neither dominate nor diminish Samaritan. In fact, the film's greatest strength is that it works as a stand-alone, neo-noir movie about a grift despite its many influences and similarities with other well-known works of cinematic art.
"If you keep on doing what you've always done, or keep on being what you've always been; nothing changes unless you make it change." This line opens and closes the film and it is an interesting and powerful statement about evolution of the human spirit. Samuel L. Jackson plays Foley, a former confidence man who kills his partner in order to avoid being killed by he and his partner's mark. His partner's son, Ethan (Luke Kirby), is (a) out to get his revenge on Foley and (b) use Foley as part of his own grift. When Foley gets out of prison after 25 years for killing his partner, he wants to make a change for the better alluded to in the opening line above. But his past haunts him in the form of Ethan who will not let go of Foley because he knows the older man is a great grifter and wants him to play one more confidence game on a mark of Ethan's choosing. The way in which Ethan has Foley trapped is a fascinating one, and I will leave the details for the film's viewers as I am not one to issue spoilers in a review. But I can say that we meet an interesting woman named Iris (Ruth Negga) who becomes involved with Jackson in more ways than one. Is she also involved with Ethan? Others involved in the grift? There's much to question about this mysterious woman; her mystery drives key moments of the film.
The grift goes forward, though not exactly as planned. The "inside man" (Ethan) is present, the "outside man" (Foley) is present, the "mark" (Tom Wilkinson as Xavier) is present, but "the catch" presents a bit of a twist that appears in the last quarter of the film. Had the grift gone exactly as planned – even with the new twist of the catch – the film would have been wholly satisfying. In fact, it is the way the film ends that lowers its overall rating for me.
Weaver has given us an expertly-drawn character study and well-plotted film about a confidence game and the players in it. Jackson underplays nearly every second; when was the last time you could say that about Jackson in a leading film role? Kirby, Negga, and the rest of the cast are also at their peak here. Unfortunately, Weaver just gets a bit "too cute" at the end of the film giving us a wild time that is not terribly necessary. Still, what has come before is so terrific, I can forgive the last several moments of the film. Other may find the end exhilarating, and I can understand that perspective as well. I would definitely put this on your "nice for a Friday night" movie list.
Todd FilmPulse.net
"If you keep on doing what you've always done, or keep on being what you've always been; nothing changes unless you make it change." This line opens and closes the film and it is an interesting and powerful statement about evolution of the human spirit. Samuel L. Jackson plays Foley, a former confidence man who kills his partner in order to avoid being killed by he and his partner's mark. His partner's son, Ethan (Luke Kirby), is (a) out to get his revenge on Foley and (b) use Foley as part of his own grift. When Foley gets out of prison after 25 years for killing his partner, he wants to make a change for the better alluded to in the opening line above. But his past haunts him in the form of Ethan who will not let go of Foley because he knows the older man is a great grifter and wants him to play one more confidence game on a mark of Ethan's choosing. The way in which Ethan has Foley trapped is a fascinating one, and I will leave the details for the film's viewers as I am not one to issue spoilers in a review. But I can say that we meet an interesting woman named Iris (Ruth Negga) who becomes involved with Jackson in more ways than one. Is she also involved with Ethan? Others involved in the grift? There's much to question about this mysterious woman; her mystery drives key moments of the film.
The grift goes forward, though not exactly as planned. The "inside man" (Ethan) is present, the "outside man" (Foley) is present, the "mark" (Tom Wilkinson as Xavier) is present, but "the catch" presents a bit of a twist that appears in the last quarter of the film. Had the grift gone exactly as planned – even with the new twist of the catch – the film would have been wholly satisfying. In fact, it is the way the film ends that lowers its overall rating for me.
Weaver has given us an expertly-drawn character study and well-plotted film about a confidence game and the players in it. Jackson underplays nearly every second; when was the last time you could say that about Jackson in a leading film role? Kirby, Negga, and the rest of the cast are also at their peak here. Unfortunately, Weaver just gets a bit "too cute" at the end of the film giving us a wild time that is not terribly necessary. Still, what has come before is so terrific, I can forgive the last several moments of the film. Other may find the end exhilarating, and I can understand that perspective as well. I would definitely put this on your "nice for a Friday night" movie list.
Todd FilmPulse.net
Pastiche of film noir and crime thrillers
krachtm9 January 2013
The plot: An ex-con looking to go straight is blackmailed into one last grift.
I'm a huge sucker for film noir, so it's not like I could pass up a chance at watching a gritty crime thriller with Sam Jackson. I was a bit apprehensive when I saw the critical disdain, but I figured it'd be worth a try. I think some of the critics were a bit harsh, but this isn't really a great movie. There are certainly some good aspects to it, but the aggressively derivative elements really drag down the score. If it had been less of a pastiche (and outright ripoff) of certain movies, this could have been good. Unfortunately, to mention its primary inspiration would be a huge spoiler.
If you're tolerant of "homage", not looking for a unique story, and are a fan of either noir or Sam Jackson, then there's a fair chance that you'll enjoy The Samaritan. I found it quite watchable, but I was not impressed with the directing or writing. The acting, on the other hand, was fine. There are only two or three scenes with Sam Jackson's trademark outbursts of angry yelling, so you might want to load up Pulp Fiction again if that's what you're looking for.
Any true Sam Jackson fan has sat through some really terrible movies. This is nowhere near the bottom, but it's somewhat frustrating in that you can see how this could have been a good movie if they'd tried a little harder.
I'm a huge sucker for film noir, so it's not like I could pass up a chance at watching a gritty crime thriller with Sam Jackson. I was a bit apprehensive when I saw the critical disdain, but I figured it'd be worth a try. I think some of the critics were a bit harsh, but this isn't really a great movie. There are certainly some good aspects to it, but the aggressively derivative elements really drag down the score. If it had been less of a pastiche (and outright ripoff) of certain movies, this could have been good. Unfortunately, to mention its primary inspiration would be a huge spoiler.
If you're tolerant of "homage", not looking for a unique story, and are a fan of either noir or Sam Jackson, then there's a fair chance that you'll enjoy The Samaritan. I found it quite watchable, but I was not impressed with the directing or writing. The acting, on the other hand, was fine. There are only two or three scenes with Sam Jackson's trademark outbursts of angry yelling, so you might want to load up Pulp Fiction again if that's what you're looking for.
Any true Sam Jackson fan has sat through some really terrible movies. This is nowhere near the bottom, but it's somewhat frustrating in that you can see how this could have been a good movie if they'd tried a little harder.
Good - probably will watch it again sometime.
shroyertour28 September 2012
The last couple years, I find myself wondering, is there a recent movie that Samual L. Jackson is not in? Well, he's in this one and, more than that, he owns it. Most of those other appearances that I've seen are an action movie of one kind or another. But this one is mostly Drama/Suspense and he takes full advantage of the opportunity to show his considerable acting skills.
Jackson plays Foley, a man just released from prison after 25 years, and he has a lot of past to live down. He comes across a young woman with whom he can start a new life, but the past dogging him draws him back. A former con man, he is forced into "just one more job." It sounds like we've heard it all before, but the plot twists in this one make it a very interesting watch. Have your snacks ready ahead of time because you will not want to miss the details here. Even if you are renting the DVD, you will not want to use the Pause button.
Besides Jackson's well done performance, Ruth Negga as Iris shows that she has a lot of promise as an actress. She has a screen presence and dramatic quality that let her hold her own opposite the veteran Jackson. And their screen chemistry makes believable the unlikely turn in their relationship.
There is even some amount of comedic irony in several lines of dialog between them, which is supposed to relate to the con, but also applies to them.
This is definitely a movie to see. It's engaging and entertaining to the end. I will probably watch it again sometime, even knowing the twists.
Jackson plays Foley, a man just released from prison after 25 years, and he has a lot of past to live down. He comes across a young woman with whom he can start a new life, but the past dogging him draws him back. A former con man, he is forced into "just one more job." It sounds like we've heard it all before, but the plot twists in this one make it a very interesting watch. Have your snacks ready ahead of time because you will not want to miss the details here. Even if you are renting the DVD, you will not want to use the Pause button.
Besides Jackson's well done performance, Ruth Negga as Iris shows that she has a lot of promise as an actress. She has a screen presence and dramatic quality that let her hold her own opposite the veteran Jackson. And their screen chemistry makes believable the unlikely turn in their relationship.
There is even some amount of comedic irony in several lines of dialog between them, which is supposed to relate to the con, but also applies to them.
This is definitely a movie to see. It's engaging and entertaining to the end. I will probably watch it again sometime, even knowing the twists.
the twist wasn't bad (pretty good actually) but the loose end was DUMB
Pussy_Connoisseur10 April 2012
the built up story line was a let down...i wasn't expecting much BUT in the middle of it as the plot thickens things get interesting then it gets a bit better, then it just flops downhill..like the jack and jill nursery rhyme.
the way the story builds up is a standard cheat(common in thrillers, especially in TV series)you know that feeling somewhere along the line things were brought up out of sheer laziness, yea thats it. a cheap way to end a good build up. anyway thats all. do not watch this seriously for entertainment. just sit back and do not pay much attention even if this is a thriller...quarter way though will most likely disappoint.
the way the story builds up is a standard cheat(common in thrillers, especially in TV series)you know that feeling somewhere along the line things were brought up out of sheer laziness, yea thats it. a cheap way to end a good build up. anyway thats all. do not watch this seriously for entertainment. just sit back and do not pay much attention even if this is a thriller...quarter way though will most likely disappoint.
Where an old grifter is forced into his last con
RJBurke19428 November 2013
This story is a pleasant surprise: not only because it doesn't deserve the low score at IMDb, and not only because Samuel Jackson provides an excellent characterization of an ex-grifter and ex-con who is forced into another caper. It's also refreshing, paradoxically, because the story echoes aspects of that classic Korean flick, Old Boy (2003).
If you haven't seen Old Boy, however, then you can still see this as a credible piece of entertainment. In a nutshell, Foley (Jackson) is persuaded by Ethan (Luke Kirby) to conduct another grift – upon a thoroughly unpleasant Xavier (Tom Wilkinson), a high-powered business mogul, crook and murderer who is always looking for ways to turn a few million bucks. Foley is unwilling, but Ethan prevails – because he has an advantage Foley can't ignore. Ethan brings in two women – a working girl, Iris (Ruth Negga) and Helena (Deborah Unger) – to assist with the grift. On the night of the caper, though, it all begins to unravel when Helena can't make it...even when eight million is up for grabs.
Jackson is excellent as the tired, old ex-con who just wants to be left alone; Kirby is perfect as the wanna-be con artist who needs help from an old grifter; Negga does a good job as a possible love interest; Wilkinson overacts somewhat as the heartless bad guy; Unger, though, acts as though she's in a trance, the only sour note. Watch, especially, for Foley's parole officer, Deacon (Tom McCamus), in a small but effective part – with a decided twist.
The plot moves quickly for the most part. And, it has sufficient surprises and twists to keep any viewer's interest. Be aware, though, this is not to the standard of, say, The Sting (1973) or that other classic, The Spanish Prisoner (1997). That said, Samaritan deserves more than five.
I give it six out of ten. Recommended for all adults.
November 9, 2013
If you haven't seen Old Boy, however, then you can still see this as a credible piece of entertainment. In a nutshell, Foley (Jackson) is persuaded by Ethan (Luke Kirby) to conduct another grift – upon a thoroughly unpleasant Xavier (Tom Wilkinson), a high-powered business mogul, crook and murderer who is always looking for ways to turn a few million bucks. Foley is unwilling, but Ethan prevails – because he has an advantage Foley can't ignore. Ethan brings in two women – a working girl, Iris (Ruth Negga) and Helena (Deborah Unger) – to assist with the grift. On the night of the caper, though, it all begins to unravel when Helena can't make it...even when eight million is up for grabs.
Jackson is excellent as the tired, old ex-con who just wants to be left alone; Kirby is perfect as the wanna-be con artist who needs help from an old grifter; Negga does a good job as a possible love interest; Wilkinson overacts somewhat as the heartless bad guy; Unger, though, acts as though she's in a trance, the only sour note. Watch, especially, for Foley's parole officer, Deacon (Tom McCamus), in a small but effective part – with a decided twist.
The plot moves quickly for the most part. And, it has sufficient surprises and twists to keep any viewer's interest. Be aware, though, this is not to the standard of, say, The Sting (1973) or that other classic, The Spanish Prisoner (1997). That said, Samaritan deserves more than five.
I give it six out of ten. Recommended for all adults.
November 9, 2013
Sam, I cram to understand...why???
gabrieltolliver-671-90630413 April 2012
Warning: Spoilers
This movie was awful. Those expecting Marcellus of Pulp Fiction Days or Carl Lee Hailey in a Time to Kill or even Lazarus from Black Snake Moan will be sorely disappointed. Sam, sometimes I cram to understand why is it quantity over quality with you? Yes, you are the hardest working man in Hollywood but you don't have to do every damn movie that comes your way. The Samaritan's plodding, meandering storyline with improbable/illogical plot points does not hold anything to the film noir of yesteryear. The only twist(spoiler alert) was incest and that was played for cheap effect. Do not pay 9.99 or even 13.50(if you live in NYC) to see this movie. I wonder if Sam might have dropped a bit from the 1% in having to do movies like this. Sam, your agent ran the grift on you when he passed this script along, Sam's agent, Elan Mastai and David Weaver grifted you, lastly folks out there-don't let this movie grift you.
Surprisingly good.
kimjarman195 July 2012
I started to watch this film not really knowing what I was going into, I had watched the trailer and it looked good, but I didn't expect all the twists!
Samuel L Jackson is one of my favourite actors and he definitely delivers in this film, as do the rest of the actors.
It may not be everyone's cup of tea but I thoroughly enjoyed it, and if you like films of this genre then you should enjoy it too. There were a few bits of the film that I guess weren't explored far enough (for me anyway, I pay too much attention to detail perhaps) but all in all I enjoyed it enough to want to watch it again sometime in the future.
Samuel L Jackson is one of my favourite actors and he definitely delivers in this film, as do the rest of the actors.
It may not be everyone's cup of tea but I thoroughly enjoyed it, and if you like films of this genre then you should enjoy it too. There were a few bits of the film that I guess weren't explored far enough (for me anyway, I pay too much attention to detail perhaps) but all in all I enjoyed it enough to want to watch it again sometime in the future.
Very Twisty Story
bob-rutzel-129 September 2012
Warning: Spoilers
Former grifter (con man) Foley (Samuel L. Jackson) has served his 25 years for killing his former partner and is released from prison. Ethan (Luke Kirby), the son of that murdered partner, wants Foley to participate in a con and uses Iris (Ruth Negga) to pull Foley in, but Foley wants nothing to do with Ethan.
I know, I know you are probably thinking there will be the word "Good" before the word Samaritan in a matter of time. But, the Samaritan is the name of a con. Exactly how it works is hinted at and we never see the full version because this is a very twisty story where almost every character's utterance changes the direction of what we thought would be the main story. This type of story is reminiscent of a Charlie Chan movie where clues keep showing up that change everything. But, in here, it's not clues but a character's priorities, compulsions and aspects of revenge that are the overriding factors. So you are never sure where we are headed. As I said "very twisty."
Spoiler Alert: I have to give something away because I do not want you to be misled and shocked when you discover that Iris is Foley's daughter. When Foley finds out the truth he, too, is shocked and will not continue in that relationship. Oooops! Yes, Ooops, but there it is. This is only one of the many twists and the most shocking.
The acting all around is exceptional. And, yes, Mr Jackson does some bellowing from time to time. That's his shtick. It's a kind of subdued bellowing if that is possible. But, it works in here.
When you get to the end, you may insist the word "Good" should still come before the word "Samaritan" and having nothing to do with any con.
Violence: Yes. Sex: Yes, but nothing is seen. Nudity: Yes. Language: Yes, but not too many f-bombs.
I know, I know you are probably thinking there will be the word "Good" before the word Samaritan in a matter of time. But, the Samaritan is the name of a con. Exactly how it works is hinted at and we never see the full version because this is a very twisty story where almost every character's utterance changes the direction of what we thought would be the main story. This type of story is reminiscent of a Charlie Chan movie where clues keep showing up that change everything. But, in here, it's not clues but a character's priorities, compulsions and aspects of revenge that are the overriding factors. So you are never sure where we are headed. As I said "very twisty."
Spoiler Alert: I have to give something away because I do not want you to be misled and shocked when you discover that Iris is Foley's daughter. When Foley finds out the truth he, too, is shocked and will not continue in that relationship. Oooops! Yes, Ooops, but there it is. This is only one of the many twists and the most shocking.
The acting all around is exceptional. And, yes, Mr Jackson does some bellowing from time to time. That's his shtick. It's a kind of subdued bellowing if that is possible. But, it works in here.
When you get to the end, you may insist the word "Good" should still come before the word "Samaritan" and having nothing to do with any con.
Violence: Yes. Sex: Yes, but nothing is seen. Nudity: Yes. Language: Yes, but not too many f-bombs.
Please if you must see this movie, WATCH OLDBOY FIRST
CizzyMonster19 April 2012
Warning: Spoilers
Let me start off by saying I never comment on movies on IMDb but I felt it was my duty to warn anyone before they watch this movie that they will be cheating themselves to watch this piece of crap without seeing Oldboy first.
I figured this was going to be the standard "revenge of the wronged man" flick. Most of which all seem the same to me because if you've seen one you've seen them all but it had Sammy in it so I said I'll give it a watch and sometimes you can find a gem. I was legitimately interested in it until roughly the 40 minute mark when they dropped the bomb on me. At that point I was simply mortified when I realized that this movie was a remake/knockoff of the movie Oldboy. The audacity of whoever made this to even try to recreate what in my opinion is one of the best revenge flicks ever made is down right offensive. If you are hell bent on watching this movie I beg you for the love of the film gods see Oldboy first. You're only cheating yourself if you don't
I figured this was going to be the standard "revenge of the wronged man" flick. Most of which all seem the same to me because if you've seen one you've seen them all but it had Sammy in it so I said I'll give it a watch and sometimes you can find a gem. I was legitimately interested in it until roughly the 40 minute mark when they dropped the bomb on me. At that point I was simply mortified when I realized that this movie was a remake/knockoff of the movie Oldboy. The audacity of whoever made this to even try to recreate what in my opinion is one of the best revenge flicks ever made is down right offensive. If you are hell bent on watching this movie I beg you for the love of the film gods see Oldboy first. You're only cheating yourself if you don't
Not terrible, but quite familiar
Wizard-816 October 2012
I am stumped as to why an actor like Samuel L. Jackson, who regularly appears in big budget Hollywood movies, would be doing in a low budget Canadian movie. Apparently he was very attracted to this project, since he's also listed as one of the movie's producers. And the movie does have some positive attributes. Though low budget, it looks pretty slick, with good cinematography and intricate camera techniques. The acting by Jackson and the no-name Canadian cast is also pretty good. However, the screenplay is kind of inadequate. To be fair, it puts in a couple of twists that I didn't see coming. But for the most part, the movie travels down a very familiar path that will have you repeatedly saying, "I've seen this before." This isn't a terrible movie, but it's not very successful. By the way, this is one of the few Canadian movies to be set in Canada and involving Canadian characters... but the Canadian aspect of the movie is presented in such a soft and blink-and-you'll-miss-it manner that most viewers will think the story is taking place in the United States with American characters.
Samuel L. Jackson is the Samaritan
rgblakey29 September 2012
Samuel L. Jackson is one of those iconic actors that are known for his foul mouth and powerful on screen demeanor. While he has been involved in some stinkers just like any other actor, he still always manages to deliver that great performance like only he can. His latest film The Samaritan thrust Jackson into the forefront to carry this gritty tale, but will it be one all about him or deliver a great film starring Jackson.
The Samaritan follows a man just getting out of prison after 25 years. Trying to start a new life and leaving the past behind him, he meets a beautiful young woman and it looks as though he will be able to move forward. Unfortunately his past is right behind him and pulling back into the dark world whether he wants it or not. First and foremost Jackson is on his A game in this movie. He walks through this character as though you are watching real life, delivering the needed emotional struggle as well as unbridled anger all within a man trying to just move on with his life. This is easily one of his best performances in a long time. The rest of the cast do a decent enough job bringing this gritty world to life, but crumble on the performance of Jackson. The story at first seems pretty simple with nothing all that new to add, but then it happens. For the most part this is film is more about the emotional struggles of this one man and his journey to start over, but have no fear there a sprinkle of action and old school Jackson to step it up from just another drama. There is a twist here that you will never see coming that takes the film to a whole new level. It goes beyond just and "Oh Man" moment and detours directly into the "WHAT THE F@#K!" moments that only takes everything that happens from the point on in a new direction.
This is one of those films that had no reason that it shouldn't have gotten a bigger release, but clearly someone dropped the ball. If you are a fan of Jackson and really who isn't this is one of his best performances to date and should not be missed. He is at the top of his game and surrounded by a decent film that really delivers on what they set out to do. Samuel L. Jackson is great at Fury, but he is brilliant in The Samaritan!
The Samaritan follows a man just getting out of prison after 25 years. Trying to start a new life and leaving the past behind him, he meets a beautiful young woman and it looks as though he will be able to move forward. Unfortunately his past is right behind him and pulling back into the dark world whether he wants it or not. First and foremost Jackson is on his A game in this movie. He walks through this character as though you are watching real life, delivering the needed emotional struggle as well as unbridled anger all within a man trying to just move on with his life. This is easily one of his best performances in a long time. The rest of the cast do a decent enough job bringing this gritty world to life, but crumble on the performance of Jackson. The story at first seems pretty simple with nothing all that new to add, but then it happens. For the most part this is film is more about the emotional struggles of this one man and his journey to start over, but have no fear there a sprinkle of action and old school Jackson to step it up from just another drama. There is a twist here that you will never see coming that takes the film to a whole new level. It goes beyond just and "Oh Man" moment and detours directly into the "WHAT THE F@#K!" moments that only takes everything that happens from the point on in a new direction.
This is one of those films that had no reason that it shouldn't have gotten a bigger release, but clearly someone dropped the ball. If you are a fan of Jackson and really who isn't this is one of his best performances to date and should not be missed. He is at the top of his game and surrounded by a decent film that really delivers on what they set out to do. Samuel L. Jackson is great at Fury, but he is brilliant in The Samaritan!
This movie will make a change
adi_20029 November 2013
Warning: Spoilers
After twenty-five years in prison Foley has given up his life as a crook. This life has left him without a home, friends and family. He is ready to start a new life and get a job on a construction site but thing don't go to well when he makes a mistake and it's close to be fired. He is visited by the son of his ex-partner who has been killer by him when he has the choice for his life or his partner. Now Ethan looks to revenge his father death and want to use Foley in a scam that can make them eight millions richer. He has a secret that will assure him that the plan will go as he wants when he introduces to him the beautiful Iris, a girl that works for him and she has a debt to him and the perfect way to get even is do to this service for him. Xavier, the man who is the target is a power full man of business and ruthless when it comes to peoples that steals from him. The plan goes almost perfect gut Foley finds out a secret about Iris who has already has an relationship and when she makes a mistake revealing to Xavier what they want to do for real, they are put in the situation when must brake and partnership and fight for their lives.
The Samaritan is a very well designed thriller although Tom Wilkinson appear for a very short amount of time at the beginning and the end but the rest of the cast makes the film to be one of the best thriller from 2012 with a good story, a fact that will fool many of us and a surprised twist that never expected. Definitely a must see.
The Samaritan is a very well designed thriller although Tom Wilkinson appear for a very short amount of time at the beginning and the end but the rest of the cast makes the film to be one of the best thriller from 2012 with a good story, a fact that will fool many of us and a surprised twist that never expected. Definitely a must see.
Hillbilly America
bobbybits14 April 2012
Warning: Spoilers
What would you do if your daughter is a drugged up prostitute? Well if you have just come out of prison you would f..k her or so this film would have it. Having little reason outside this twisted incest concept with not much else in the way of the plot. The action is minimal and only begins in the last quarter, by then it is just the dumb and the dumber. Total nonsense that really begs to ask the question of the logic behind its story. Any ex con would have ended this minutes after leaving prison. The title is deceiving being called by another name and so is the write up on it. A disappointment knowing these actors can act, but a failure seeing them reduced to this weak plot.
4 out 10 if your hillbilly you might enjoy it
4 out 10 if your hillbilly you might enjoy it
Uses the Main Idea of the Korean Oldboy
claudio_carvalho22 August 2021
After serving twenty-five years in the prison for the murder of his partner Eddy, the grifter Foley (Samuel L. Jackson) is released with the intention to live an honest life. He seeks his probation officer and finds a job in a construction site. But soon Eddy's son Ethan (Luke Kirby) looks for him and offers a swindle to him, but Foley does not accept the proposal. Foley also meets the prostitute Iris (Ruth Negga) and soon they have a relationship. But the Machievelian Ethan has a secret and uses it to blackmail Foley to accept his proposed confidence game to lure a dangerous kingpin.
"The Samaritan" is a depressing film that uses the main idea of the Korean "Oldboy" (2003). The genre is confused but prevails a heavy drama. The blood type of a father is not necessarily compatible with his daughter, in an awful mistake in the film. Further, Iris tells that she would love to go to Rio and Maceió, but she ends in Havana. My vote is six.
Title (Brazil): "Jogos do Crime" ("Crime Games")
"The Samaritan" is a depressing film that uses the main idea of the Korean "Oldboy" (2003). The genre is confused but prevails a heavy drama. The blood type of a father is not necessarily compatible with his daughter, in an awful mistake in the film. Further, Iris tells that she would love to go to Rio and Maceió, but she ends in Havana. My vote is six.
Title (Brazil): "Jogos do Crime" ("Crime Games")
shocking twist in the middle
SnoopyStyle23 January 2017
Foley (Samuel L. Jackson) leaves prison after serving 25 years. Everybody he knows are dead or dying. He is approached by Ethan (Luke Kirby) who is the son of his best friend. Foley was forced to kill Ethan's father in that last job 25 years ago. Ethan sends drug-addict Iris (Ruth Negga) to be with Foley. Foley rescues her from creepy Jake. After sleeping with her, Ethan reveals the shocking truth about Iris. To keep it a secret, Foley is forced to work for Ethan in a scam against gangster Xavier (Tom Wilkinson).
The first half meanders quite a bit. I was waiting for the movie to move in one direction and boy, what a move! It's quite a shocking twist. I don't agree with how the story moves afterwards. I don't think it's a move that Ethan would do if his only aim is to get his help. It is however an epic revenge move. The other notable aspect is hard-boil noir look that is imparted on Toronto. Ruth Negga is great and she's great with Jackson. I simply think the story should go in a different way.
The first half meanders quite a bit. I was waiting for the movie to move in one direction and boy, what a move! It's quite a shocking twist. I don't agree with how the story moves afterwards. I don't think it's a move that Ethan would do if his only aim is to get his help. It is however an epic revenge move. The other notable aspect is hard-boil noir look that is imparted on Toronto. Ruth Negga is great and she's great with Jackson. I simply think the story should go in a different way.
Cold and Coarse Climate
LeonLouisRicci2 February 2013
Gritty Grifter Movie that is quite a nifty character study with some usual Neo-Noir twists and one not so usual. It has a commanding lead performance and more than reliable backups and a backdrop of cold Canada as the coarse climate conditions that feel fitting in this bleak environment of gangsters, con-men, and drug addicts.
The fortune cookie philosophical quoting that begins and ends the film in narration is clumsy and not needed. It is hackneyed and feels like an overwritten overture. It makes very little sense in the story here and is a small but glaring flaw in this otherwise understated display of a quietly desperate Man whose fate is fatal and futile in the Film-Noir.
This is not a comfortable situation and it is not meant to be. It is a cold world out there, especially for a recently released convict who served twenty-five years for murder. But in this Noir world the past is present and sins are rarely forgiven despite said paid debt to society.
The Samaritan Grift is unfortunately uninteresting here and there is a sort of a thinly scripted rush as things unfold.
The fortune cookie philosophical quoting that begins and ends the film in narration is clumsy and not needed. It is hackneyed and feels like an overwritten overture. It makes very little sense in the story here and is a small but glaring flaw in this otherwise understated display of a quietly desperate Man whose fate is fatal and futile in the Film-Noir.
This is not a comfortable situation and it is not meant to be. It is a cold world out there, especially for a recently released convict who served twenty-five years for murder. But in this Noir world the past is present and sins are rarely forgiven despite said paid debt to society.
The Samaritan Grift is unfortunately uninteresting here and there is a sort of a thinly scripted rush as things unfold.
Not very logical plot, but Samuel L. Jackson saves it
Emerenciano16 January 2018
It is another action / noir - or whatever you wanna name it - film. Things are explained in half a second and the action, drama and love scenes take long minutes. A typical "you don't nedd to understand it, simply enjoy the action" thing.
But you know what? That's what entertainment seems to be. Not that I like it, but it is what it is. And the film brings Samuel L. Jackson, one of everybody's favourite actors, so it is worthy trying "The Samaritan".
The twists in the plot , mainly in the last minutes, play a good role and make the 90 min projection a good time.
Try it, but don't expect a lot.
Try it, but don't expect a lot.
Wonderful movie I'd never heard of
yvette20007 October 2012
After seeing "Meeting evil", I was concerned this was another dud for Samuel Jackson. He always gives a great performance, but the story isn't always up to par. I had never heard of this movie so I had lower than low expectations. Wow, I was pleasantly surprised. Shocking twists and turns kept me interested from beginning to end. I don't want to give a synopsis because I think it's better if you go in green like I did. But now I'm struggling to fill 10 lines without any spoilers. Glad I didn't check the reviews on IMDb else I would have never would have rented it. The 5.5 is totally undeserved, but I understand it. Many judge movies based on how many explosions and CGI it contains. And I've never seen Oldboy so it didn't feel like a remake. Bottom line, this is a great drama and all the characters are believable.
Interesting gritty take on old convict gets out-genre
OJT31 May 2013
A massive failure at the box office, only earning 2.500 dollars in 3 screens in the U.S. and only big-screened in only three another countries, Portugal, earning 12.500 dollars there, the U.K. S and Japan, of which there aren't any income records. With a 12 million dollar budget, this is a major flop, obviously. BMW didn't get much back from their sponsoring.
But the film isn't by all means that bad. This gets bashed due to a part of the story putting some off, and it's not the violence. In stead the film is very enjoyable on many levels, as a film noir filmed story with lots of cult potential.
An old convict gets out of prison, unwillingly revisiting his past, finding most of his old companions in crime dead and buried. Awaiting him, though, is a son of his partners, Ethan, which is an apple which hasn't fallen far from the three. And he's proud of it, but has an agenda.
The opening is very interesting. We watch people fallen on the wrong side of the fence of life. The acting is good. Obviously by Samuel L. Jackson, and very much so by mob boss Tom Wilkinson. Deborah Kara Unger is also good. Not to fond of Luke Kirby here, though, being less convincing. I'd love to see a real slick devil in that role. The chemistry between Jackson and Ruth Negga isn't there at all, starting out the film's problem. It's simply not believable. It's easy to see on the screen that they don't fancy each other. What a bad casting, of an otherwise proved good Negga.
The scenes with them slows down the movie so much, that you lose interest in the film. I can't help thinking these would have been great scenes, if the chemistry was working. The shifts and clippings which could make the film fast paced, slows it down. Thankfully it paces up again.
I like the tone of the movie. I felt it was a pleasant watch, with good production value, good filming and nice plot. The Hollywood Reporter wrote that this was "a gritty serving of pulp fiction", and it is. Obviously referencing to Jacksons main role in "Pulp fiction". The film is better than it's rating here.
I would say this is one of the better in this genre I've seen, and it's absolutely worth watching. The best "convict trying to get back to life"-film I saw was the comedy "A somewhat gentle man". A equally gritty movie, but much funnier to watch.
But the film isn't by all means that bad. This gets bashed due to a part of the story putting some off, and it's not the violence. In stead the film is very enjoyable on many levels, as a film noir filmed story with lots of cult potential.
An old convict gets out of prison, unwillingly revisiting his past, finding most of his old companions in crime dead and buried. Awaiting him, though, is a son of his partners, Ethan, which is an apple which hasn't fallen far from the three. And he's proud of it, but has an agenda.
The opening is very interesting. We watch people fallen on the wrong side of the fence of life. The acting is good. Obviously by Samuel L. Jackson, and very much so by mob boss Tom Wilkinson. Deborah Kara Unger is also good. Not to fond of Luke Kirby here, though, being less convincing. I'd love to see a real slick devil in that role. The chemistry between Jackson and Ruth Negga isn't there at all, starting out the film's problem. It's simply not believable. It's easy to see on the screen that they don't fancy each other. What a bad casting, of an otherwise proved good Negga.
The scenes with them slows down the movie so much, that you lose interest in the film. I can't help thinking these would have been great scenes, if the chemistry was working. The shifts and clippings which could make the film fast paced, slows it down. Thankfully it paces up again.
I like the tone of the movie. I felt it was a pleasant watch, with good production value, good filming and nice plot. The Hollywood Reporter wrote that this was "a gritty serving of pulp fiction", and it is. Obviously referencing to Jacksons main role in "Pulp fiction". The film is better than it's rating here.
I would say this is one of the better in this genre I've seen, and it's absolutely worth watching. The best "convict trying to get back to life"-film I saw was the comedy "A somewhat gentle man". A equally gritty movie, but much funnier to watch.
Disappointing
jmason-6499419 November 2016
The background music far too loud to hear the mumbled dialogue in many scenes. Plus the background music is horrible, often vibrating in my head completely distracting me from the dialogue. The plot is disjointed and barely believable, yet predicable. The grift twists were not believable, in fact the grift itself was too simple to be realistic. Too many scenes are in the dark or weird yellow light. The 'surgeon' must been absolutely brilliant to work in the dim yellow light of his room. It's very hard to say more about this movie as it was pretty much a yawning waste of ninety minutes. Samuel L Jackson is an excellent actor, I'm a fan but I'm surprised he made this movie. The English actor/master criminal Tom Wilkinson wasn't believable, he looked more like a merchant banker. Very disappointing.
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