I disagree with certain comments regarding this entertaining film which frankly was made on a very tight budget but managed to keep me watching without falling asleep unlike some other big budget films that have me snoring after 15 minutes. I think certain people who reviewed this film did not fully understand the story as it unfolded. For instance the bad guy was not looking for his target under the bed but instead he was looking for the stash, duh. The problem with films nowadays is that they stereotype certain characters to death, all drug dealers have to act like animals with no conscience, every prostitute has a drug problem, etc, etc. The only thing that was out of place was the fact the main character falls asleep t-shirtless but wakes up with a t-shirt on, so nothing major as it might have gotten cold during the night :) As to the audio complaints all I can say is speak to your dodgy DVD seller about providing you with better quality media ;)
10 Reviews
George Katt gives a fierce and courageous performance.
standstraight8028 May 2008
My comments here are written in light of having watching the film for a second time. While I liked 'Valley of Angels' a lot the first time around, I appreciated it even more the second time. There are some slight negative points - the language content is at times overbearing and harsh and a few technical bumps - but there is not anything significant that I would flaw the film on.
The acting is definitely the film's strongest point. George Katt gives and intense and realistic performance. It is everything that he does throughout, in particular the facial expressions that he captures on his face. Into the film his expressions at times are unflinching and very realistic. He portrays innocence and hurt so easily. He's very natural, scratches his face, moves graciously, and you can see him connecting with his character throughout the story. Brando represents the very definition of method acting and George Katt is at that level in this film. Being able to reach inside yourself and pull something out that kicks everyone in the ass. They say sometimes beautiful people are born under a dark cloud. I think Katt was born under a rain of thunderbolts like Brando was. He is powerful and tragic at the same time.
When I first viewed the film, it was Katt's acting that stood out the most to me. His performance and character are riveting, providing a fierce performance while not letting his character turn into a stereotype. It is incredibly realistic acting, the way he interacts with with different characters and takes on different personalities in order to get through each specific situation, and the way he is torn between his new found love and what he does for a living.
It's a superb performance as a conflicted and guilt ridden torched soul.
It has an excellent score and often fits the actions very well.
One can praise a film for many different reasons, but it is not worth much unless one can explain what the film is really about. I would say that 'Valley of Angels' is a drama about struggling against the inner restrictions of 'self', and of what it takes to crawl out of a dark hole one has made for himself. However, I also see it as an exciting story about a young man confronting himself and the harshness of a shallow city that is effectively and realistically run by drugs. Perhaps it is about love and how mistakes are made by certain paths a young man can easily take in life. I think different viewers will take something different out of it. And it is perhaps that, more than the artistic and cinematic qualities of the film, which makes it a great piece of independent cinema. This is a film for more intelligent and thoughtful audiences. If anything, it's worthwhile to watch George Katt's performance in the film.
The acting is definitely the film's strongest point. George Katt gives and intense and realistic performance. It is everything that he does throughout, in particular the facial expressions that he captures on his face. Into the film his expressions at times are unflinching and very realistic. He portrays innocence and hurt so easily. He's very natural, scratches his face, moves graciously, and you can see him connecting with his character throughout the story. Brando represents the very definition of method acting and George Katt is at that level in this film. Being able to reach inside yourself and pull something out that kicks everyone in the ass. They say sometimes beautiful people are born under a dark cloud. I think Katt was born under a rain of thunderbolts like Brando was. He is powerful and tragic at the same time.
When I first viewed the film, it was Katt's acting that stood out the most to me. His performance and character are riveting, providing a fierce performance while not letting his character turn into a stereotype. It is incredibly realistic acting, the way he interacts with with different characters and takes on different personalities in order to get through each specific situation, and the way he is torn between his new found love and what he does for a living.
It's a superb performance as a conflicted and guilt ridden torched soul.
It has an excellent score and often fits the actions very well.
One can praise a film for many different reasons, but it is not worth much unless one can explain what the film is really about. I would say that 'Valley of Angels' is a drama about struggling against the inner restrictions of 'self', and of what it takes to crawl out of a dark hole one has made for himself. However, I also see it as an exciting story about a young man confronting himself and the harshness of a shallow city that is effectively and realistically run by drugs. Perhaps it is about love and how mistakes are made by certain paths a young man can easily take in life. I think different viewers will take something different out of it. And it is perhaps that, more than the artistic and cinematic qualities of the film, which makes it a great piece of independent cinema. This is a film for more intelligent and thoughtful audiences. If anything, it's worthwhile to watch George Katt's performance in the film.
Excellent Indie Film!
luca4018 May 2008
George Katt's acting was phenomenal and it was refreshing to see natural acting and not an over-played character for once. I rented this film at Blockbuster and I highly enjoyed it. It was one of the better movies I've seen this year. Before you watch this, you need to understand that this film was not about your stereo-typical Hollywood drug dealer and it's an independent film! Not a big budget Hollywood fast-food-film. They probably had limited takes and limited options but it came out excellent for what it was. I enjoyed this film very much. The ending really touched me and it made me think. Mr. Katt does have a really bright future. I agree with some of the reviewers he fits in a class of Ed Nortons, Brandos, DeNiro's, etc. I actually thought he had a James Dean style to him. Dean would speak in low tones and these type of actors were very internal. I was an avid fan of Marlon Brando's earlier films and he definitely has that star quality. I also liked the young girl that played his sister. Rent it, buy it. It's different and refreshing.
George Katt is the next Brando!
busterlarry18 May 2008
George Katt's performance was amazing in this. He most definitely is on the track to being the next Marlon Brando! I've heard it before on some reviews and scoffed at it until I ordered this movie and was proved wrong. He was superb! The film itself is what it is, but Katt shines throughout. He deserves to be up there with the A-listers. They need more talent like this young man up there in the studio system. He brings something new to the table and it is very unique. I think that shakes people up a bit. This might upset other Brando wannabes a little bit? Every young actor wants to be or imitate Marlon Brando but the thing about George Katt is I say he's the next Brando in his own way. It's a very naturalistic and realistic take he has on the character. You can tell he is really into his role. Katt paves the way for a much-needed style we haven't seen since the young Brando era. Almost like when Nirvana came onto the scene and squashed those hair metal bands and introduced us to grunge. Katt is the Kurt Cobain for young actors! I'm sure we'll see a lot of him after this great performance. I personally would like to see him shirtless again as well! Very cute and full of talent.
What an awesome movie!
jcescobedola-19 March 2007
*03/22/2007 New York Film Festival update: Valley of Angels has won the Grand Jury Award for best feature film!! Valley of Angels took top prize!
I still can't get over the fact that this movie by a first-time, independent film maker looks so good! The story made my heart race from the suspense. Danny Trejo continues to be Hollywood's number one bad-ass. George Katt, Renee George, Miguel Munguia, Heather Tryzna and the rest of the cast gave great performances, too. There was a big buzz after the movie premiere at the New York Film Festival last Saturday night. Looks like it's going to win top prize. Good to see that this movie is finally getting its due. Way to go Levelblue Productions! I look forward to seeing the future projects from this up and coming production company!
I still can't get over the fact that this movie by a first-time, independent film maker looks so good! The story made my heart race from the suspense. Danny Trejo continues to be Hollywood's number one bad-ass. George Katt, Renee George, Miguel Munguia, Heather Tryzna and the rest of the cast gave great performances, too. There was a big buzz after the movie premiere at the New York Film Festival last Saturday night. Looks like it's going to win top prize. Good to see that this movie is finally getting its due. Way to go Levelblue Productions! I look forward to seeing the future projects from this up and coming production company!
'Valley of Angels' delivers!!!!!
cliffburton16 March 2007
Warning: Spoilers
I saw this film at a festival in Hollywood a couple of weeks ago. The packed theater came to see a fantastic indie feature, and they didn't leave disappointed.
This film delivers. It doesn't hold back. It's not just edgy - it's over the edge. And Danny Trejo gets to play the role of a lifetime.
*** Beginning of a Few Spoilers ***
The story is about a drug dealer in Los Angeles who is stuck in a lifestyle he detests. His girlfriend is unbearable, as is his mother. His best friend Miguel seems more into the LA scene than he. Zeus struggles from one day to the next, selling his drugs to the city's rich kids, trying to find a purpose.
Then one day he meets the girl of his dreams, a beautiful, fresh transplant from Ohio - Lisa. As she is the antithesis to everything Zeus believes LA to be, he falls for her fast and hard, hiding her from his other life.
Then one night when Zeus and Miguel arrive at a warehouse to pick up product from their dealer (the one and only Danny Trejo), he hands over one of his 'assets' to them - his gorgeous girlfriend Maria. Zeus and Miguel know that this can't be good, but due to lack of any other option, they take her. As they speed away from the warehouse, it becomes obvious why Hector unloaded Maria - as his business establishment comes under the attack of 'The Darksuits' (which are people you don't mess with, and for some reason, Hector is on their list).
When Zeus brings Maria back to his pad, his girlfriend blows up. But under her intense anger is a real sense of worry, as she knows Zeus is in a very dangerous profession. Zeus and Miguel also discover that Hector has unloaded a couple kilos of cocaine on them...not a good sign.
It doesn't take long for Zeus to figure out that Hector probably didn't come out on the winning end of his disagreement with the Darksuits. He convinces Maria to tell him where Hector hid his stash. Zeus believes that if he can only get to it before the Darksuits, he could leave the city forever - with Lisa, the girl he really loves.
However, the plan goes insanely wrong, in a way that you just have to see to believe.
*** End of Spoilers ***
This is a great looking, gritty, hardcore film that came out of nowhere. The festival was buzzing after the screening - you could feel that people were really affected by this film. It pulls no punches in its portrayal of Los Angeles' seedy side. The acting was terrific all around, and Trejo - if it's not blasphemy to say - is in his baddest ass role ever. He is incredibly powerful in this film. And the humor mixed with violence can only be described as Tarantino-esquire.
I don't know where this film will end up - I'm anxious to see what festival awards it'll win (the NY Independent Film & Video Festival). But make sure to catch it when it is released - especially if you're a Reservoir Dogs fan. The last half hour will blow you away...
This film delivers. It doesn't hold back. It's not just edgy - it's over the edge. And Danny Trejo gets to play the role of a lifetime.
*** Beginning of a Few Spoilers ***
The story is about a drug dealer in Los Angeles who is stuck in a lifestyle he detests. His girlfriend is unbearable, as is his mother. His best friend Miguel seems more into the LA scene than he. Zeus struggles from one day to the next, selling his drugs to the city's rich kids, trying to find a purpose.
Then one day he meets the girl of his dreams, a beautiful, fresh transplant from Ohio - Lisa. As she is the antithesis to everything Zeus believes LA to be, he falls for her fast and hard, hiding her from his other life.
Then one night when Zeus and Miguel arrive at a warehouse to pick up product from their dealer (the one and only Danny Trejo), he hands over one of his 'assets' to them - his gorgeous girlfriend Maria. Zeus and Miguel know that this can't be good, but due to lack of any other option, they take her. As they speed away from the warehouse, it becomes obvious why Hector unloaded Maria - as his business establishment comes under the attack of 'The Darksuits' (which are people you don't mess with, and for some reason, Hector is on their list).
When Zeus brings Maria back to his pad, his girlfriend blows up. But under her intense anger is a real sense of worry, as she knows Zeus is in a very dangerous profession. Zeus and Miguel also discover that Hector has unloaded a couple kilos of cocaine on them...not a good sign.
It doesn't take long for Zeus to figure out that Hector probably didn't come out on the winning end of his disagreement with the Darksuits. He convinces Maria to tell him where Hector hid his stash. Zeus believes that if he can only get to it before the Darksuits, he could leave the city forever - with Lisa, the girl he really loves.
However, the plan goes insanely wrong, in a way that you just have to see to believe.
*** End of Spoilers ***
This is a great looking, gritty, hardcore film that came out of nowhere. The festival was buzzing after the screening - you could feel that people were really affected by this film. It pulls no punches in its portrayal of Los Angeles' seedy side. The acting was terrific all around, and Trejo - if it's not blasphemy to say - is in his baddest ass role ever. He is incredibly powerful in this film. And the humor mixed with violence can only be described as Tarantino-esquire.
I don't know where this film will end up - I'm anxious to see what festival awards it'll win (the NY Independent Film & Video Festival). But make sure to catch it when it is released - especially if you're a Reservoir Dogs fan. The last half hour will blow you away...
Wonderful acting by the lead George Katt
eightiesscinematic19 May 2008
I agree with the positive reviewers of this film. George Katt was outstanding in this film. Almost to a detriment to the other actors and the script itself. Being a fan of older movies myself, during the heyday of the Actor's Studio boom, he brings a lot of that "feel" in his performance. Very real and his deliveries and mannerisms are very unique. Yes, he maybe mumble a few times but so did Marlon Brando. Actually, Brando got a lot of heat for that from critics. But we mumble in everyday life, it's very real. It just made me want to pay more attention to what he had to say. I liked the film a lot and recommend it. George Katt is at a higher level of acting than Danny Trejo and the rest of the cast though and he deserves to be playing with the big wigs. I can see how he doesn't really get much from the other actors in this film but gives himself and does his job extremely well with what he has to work with. I commend that in actors like him.
Well done
raven22-211 December 2007
Warning: Spoilers
I saw this movie last week. George Katt is very good. He plays a very convincing role and somehow he reminds me a bit of Edward Norton. I hope i will see more of him in the future. As for the movie, nicely done for a debuting director. I think the cut scenes of LA were 'repeated' a bit too much. I understand why the director showcased those, but an alternation of scenes from LA would have been better. It became too repetitive after a while. As a film noir the ending couldn't have been avoided. However, it was too dramatized and too Hollywood-ish (or whatever you want to call it) for me. You could see the movie was on a low budget. Some scenes are just shot in daylight or very minor set lightning, but for me it added more realism. The hand-camera jobs are totally my style, so thumbs up for that. To finish, i liked it. The story kept me watching and i didn't want to turn it off. Danny Trejo does his usual job and his rudeness thrilled me. The bad guys are cool and i have written down the artists who did the music, because it was very good.
This movie will be released in Dutchland on DVD soon. So grab it when you see it somewhere.
7/10
This movie will be released in Dutchland on DVD soon. So grab it when you see it somewhere.
7/10
Valley is fantastic! George Katt is a raw, moving, and unstoppable new talent!
cjonesla12 March 2007
Last week I went to view several films at the NY International Independent Film Festival. I caught a bunch of shorts and several features. The highlighted films were "The Last of the Romantics" and this wonderful film "Valley of Angels".
Now, I've been in the business for 32 years. I've seen brilliant films and some wonderful indies. "Valley of Angels" really took the cake at this festival for me. I haven't seen an indie film this powerful in a very long time.
First off, for the budget it was made on, the film looks wonderful. The story had me on the edge the entire time. I was not bored for a minute.
Now, Danny Trejo is more of a supporting actor in the film - we don't see very much of him but when we do - Watch out! It's the best and scariest I've seen him in a very long time. He's great to watch but the highlight for me was the young newcomer and New York City native George Katt - the true star of the film. Katt plays "Zeus" the young drug dealer that gets caught up in a huge mess. He is in virtually every scene and carries the entire film with one of the most powerful presence's I have seen in cinema in a really long time. He is one of the most moving young actors I have watched in a very long while. He has a young Russell Crowe intensity but reminds you of the greatest actors of our earlier generation - Brando, Dean, Clift, McQueen - due to a very naturalistic approach and intensity, but he also channels this amazing vulnerability.
Katt truly made the movie work for me. I don't know how it would have turned out if Mr. Rosten had cast another way. George Katt is truly a diamond in the rough - especially out in Los Angeles where we get a lot of flash-in-the-pan actors and mediocre performances. When you watch the film, you can see Mr. Katt truly lives and breathes the role of "Zeus" with every inch of his emotion and instinct.
I can't say enough about "Valley" the film itself, but I can't stress even more about Mr. Katt and his importance in making it a great flick. He is worth every penny of the ticket price of this film.
The other performances that really stood out were a wonderful young actress (also a newcomer) Heather Trzyna - who plays Zeus' younger sister. She really moved me and has a bright career ahead of her (a young Meryl Streep-to-be). Also, Renee George gave a nice turn as Sandra - Zeus' materialistic girlfriend.
A great cast all around - but Mr. Katt is surely the one to watch with Trejo as a bit of icing on an already wonderfully well-done project! Jon Rosten does a great job with his vision and an already powerful script.
We are sure to see more of Mr. Rosten and Mr. Katt (reminding me of the early Scorsese and De Niro in many, many ways).
Check this film out when it comes to you! I'm off to the next festival and review! Cheers, -CMJones
Now, I've been in the business for 32 years. I've seen brilliant films and some wonderful indies. "Valley of Angels" really took the cake at this festival for me. I haven't seen an indie film this powerful in a very long time.
First off, for the budget it was made on, the film looks wonderful. The story had me on the edge the entire time. I was not bored for a minute.
Now, Danny Trejo is more of a supporting actor in the film - we don't see very much of him but when we do - Watch out! It's the best and scariest I've seen him in a very long time. He's great to watch but the highlight for me was the young newcomer and New York City native George Katt - the true star of the film. Katt plays "Zeus" the young drug dealer that gets caught up in a huge mess. He is in virtually every scene and carries the entire film with one of the most powerful presence's I have seen in cinema in a really long time. He is one of the most moving young actors I have watched in a very long while. He has a young Russell Crowe intensity but reminds you of the greatest actors of our earlier generation - Brando, Dean, Clift, McQueen - due to a very naturalistic approach and intensity, but he also channels this amazing vulnerability.
Katt truly made the movie work for me. I don't know how it would have turned out if Mr. Rosten had cast another way. George Katt is truly a diamond in the rough - especially out in Los Angeles where we get a lot of flash-in-the-pan actors and mediocre performances. When you watch the film, you can see Mr. Katt truly lives and breathes the role of "Zeus" with every inch of his emotion and instinct.
I can't say enough about "Valley" the film itself, but I can't stress even more about Mr. Katt and his importance in making it a great flick. He is worth every penny of the ticket price of this film.
The other performances that really stood out were a wonderful young actress (also a newcomer) Heather Trzyna - who plays Zeus' younger sister. She really moved me and has a bright career ahead of her (a young Meryl Streep-to-be). Also, Renee George gave a nice turn as Sandra - Zeus' materialistic girlfriend.
A great cast all around - but Mr. Katt is surely the one to watch with Trejo as a bit of icing on an already wonderfully well-done project! Jon Rosten does a great job with his vision and an already powerful script.
We are sure to see more of Mr. Rosten and Mr. Katt (reminding me of the early Scorsese and De Niro in many, many ways).
Check this film out when it comes to you! I'm off to the next festival and review! Cheers, -CMJones
Katt's amazing performance makes this worth checking out!
striempty29 June 2008
This is really an actor worth paying attention to. I found the story and film-making wonderful for an independent film of this budget. What makes this movie stand out is the lead performance. Katt is unbelievably convincing as a young torn drug dealer. He almost disappears into the role. Really, an excellent job.
Katt embodies a sense of brooding masculinity that other men can only dream of attaining, while creating an enduring cinema presence and delivering, I believe, one of the all-time great independent film performances. A class-act from beginning to end; sexy, brutal, and endlessly fascinating.
Katt embodies a sense of brooding masculinity that other men can only dream of attaining, while creating an enduring cinema presence and delivering, I believe, one of the all-time great independent film performances. A class-act from beginning to end; sexy, brutal, and endlessly fascinating.
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