Max-Out (1970) User Reviews

Not Bad, Interesting

[Tony Rome · 7/10 · 12 August 2010]

This short film is included on the DVD for the documentary film "Derby," about roller derby. (1971). The lead character is released from prison, and tries to find steady work. This proves to be a difficult task. This film was shot in black and white, with no script, totally add libbed. Shot in a cinema vertie style, it keeps the viewers attention. There is a bar scene that features Charles McGregor, who would later appear in "Superfly," and "Blazing Saddles" Most of the cast had criminal records, and their prison numbers are shown in the closing credits. This is definitely worth a look. I give this film three stars.

Intriguing slice of life

[Woodyanders · 8/10 · 21 April 2017]

Felon Melvin Rivers gets paroled after serving a stretch in prison and subsequently struggles with finding a job while trying to avoid the criminal behavior that resulted in his incarceration.

Director Robert Kaylor astutely captures the pungent stench of harsh reality as he frankly addresses the bleak limited options available to ex-cons and provides no easy answers concerning the hapless plight of the sympathetic Rivers. Moreover, Kaylor makes excellent and inspired use of both grungy backstreet locations and real-life ex-cons who include Charles McGregor of "Superfly" fame. Shot with no script in stark black and white in a rough you-are-there verite style, with a loose, yet still coherent and compelling improvisational approach, this striking portrait of urban blight and despair possesses a certain raw intimacy and authenticity that overall packs a real quietly potent punch.