A Lonely Place for Dying (2009) User Reviews

RECIPE: Spy-vs-Spy "Thriller" (serves one)

[mgmwi · 6/10 · 21 February 2011]

INGREDIENTS

One (1) of the Russians from 15 Minutes (but temper him till we can empathize--in this case with a standout performance by Ross Marquand that in many aspects leaves in the dust the rest of the community theater cast who get any real screen time, aside from a couple big-name-recognition cameos that do leave you wanting more).

One (1) Bob Woodward-like character from All the President's Men.

One (1) '70's parody detective character from Tom Jane's Stander.

One (1) Ed Harris-like, Fedora-wearing Parcher-based character from A Beautiful Mind.

One (1) Serpico look-alike good-guy-turned-bad-guy. Pinch (to taste) of generic, disposable "red-shirt" henchmen (or is it now "hench-people" or perhaps "hench-persons"?) extras.

DIRECTIONS

On a mise-en-scène stovetop with lighting inspired by the look and feel of Peckinpah's Wild Bunch, stir in the plot of the SciFi film Enemy Mine over very low heat, bind one character to a chair a la Reservoir Dogs (but "torture light," please…rest assured that no ears, or 'nads--"I get my kicks above the waistline, Sunshine!"--were harmed in the making of this movie). Add a touch of virtually any and all Die Hard films, then barely simmer for 94 minutes, and…

What you'll be rewarded with here is a technically proficient, impressively-executed-for-an-incredibly-low-budget, film that's touring the festival circuit in 2010-11. A Lonely Place for Dying definitely clears the bar technically (and kudos on achieving that look for only $200k), but just sneaks under the fence creatively, albeit with a few memorable lines and set pieces. Aside from achieving some very nice visual effects, enviable ambiance, and the accompaniment of a very professional and dense musical score (that unfortunately sometimes seems to cover up "important" dialog) at really rock-bottom prices, there's not a lot to see here that you haven't already seen, BUT…with the right backing and a real budget, Robert Rodriguez-style director Justin Eugene Evans clearly demonstrates that he has his technical chops well in order, and he just might pull off a darned good film in the near term if he stays focused and motivated...and uses fresher, home-grown ingredients!

Something quite different about this movie.. but room to improve

[hsoj_porrah · 5/10 · 5 June 2014]

Plusses; some nice cinematography, great acting by Marquand, pretty cool basic plot, nice retro vibe and instagram feel Minusses; Some ham-fisted acting by the actors. Still bearable though. Robert's character is just a bit too soft to believe his back story... He seems better suited to a family feel good movie. Some unnecessary details that aren't developed. The basic crime/fundament is really poorly described and weak as a basis for what it gives rise to. Worth a watch but almost comes across as the 70's gun drama the retro vibe would like to be suggesting, if it weren't for Marquand's strong performance. What more can I say.

Easily the worst thing I've ever watched

[ingrayfans · 1/10 · 15 March 2019]

I've seen some pretty dumb cheap indie films. You never know where you'll find the gem, something worth watching, something artistic, different. Well, this movie ain't that. I think that the actual equipment, film, lights, makeup, tapes, etc is worth way more than the movie itself. I honestly don't believe that most ratings and comments here are real. This is a horrible attempt to make a film just for the sake of making a film. Just as a guy who sucks at playing a guitar books a gig just so he can say "I'm in a band" or something. Someone made this movie only so he/she could say "I am a movie producer (or a director)..." I rarely leave any reviews, my life is too short for that, but this ***** took away time I'll never get back. the worst thing is the guy who made me see it promised a good laugh. And he was indeed laughing the whole time at technical stuff - visible microphone, bad acting, unintentional camera shaking (as if the camera guy tripped in the middle of the scene), horrible sound, etc. I didn't find it funny, it was sad.

Suspenseful Comedy with contemporary topics

[thomd-2 · 10/10 · 20 January 2010]

If you like Jason Statham movies like The Transporter, or if you like Guy Ritchie movies like Snatch, or if you enjoyed Chevy Chase in Spies Like Us, then I cannot see how you would not absolutely love "A Lonely Place for Dying", which has elements of all 3 of those movies. Making fun of Russian paranoia, the CIA, Mexican government corruption, and all 007 movies as well, this keeps moving through many surprising turns, but leaves you feeling good in the end, much like Guy Ritchie would do. My only problem with this film is that it has the dumbest title in the history of cinema- a title that tells you nothing about the film and that makes no one want to see it. By the time you see this, the title may have been changed. I hope so. Then they can find a distributor.

Laughably bad

[tgwsxdkwa · 1/10 · 15 March 2019]

First I couldn't believe the reviews and ratings. Then I checked the people and of course, they have left only one review (for this movie), which makes me think that those reviews are fake. I mean, they gotta be, since no one could take this film seriously, in any way. Directing, plot, acting, editing...so bad. Sound was obviously captured either on a cheap equipment, or by someone who doesn't know how to plug mics properly. I couldn't understand half of dialog. Also there's a loud noise on many places, as if they were making sound louder without eliminating noise afterwards. Editing - OMG where to start. There are PLENTY of dead frames between scenes (1 or 2 frames long, and noticeable for people who know anything about making films). All kinds of transitions, as if someone was checking what FinalCut Pro can do, browsing it's presets and adding stuff. Directing - I think there was no directing. Director probably held camera in his hand saying "now walk" and shooting from the most boring locations possible. I got seriously angry realizing how many great angles he missed. Even if he only followed the director's little black book of angles (which he didn't) it would look much better. Now it looks like when a parent shoots his kid's recital from a single spot in the audience. Extremely frustrating to watch. So I wanted to check the director who tortured me for the whole duration of this film and I discovered that this is the only thing he's done, on his own. Thanks for wasting my time. The only reason I watched the film was it's poster, which reminds me of some Tarantino flick. That is where all the similarity of course, ends. Painful to watch, better be avoid. Don't say I didn't warn you.

Amazing Movie & A Must See

[Cid2054 · 9/10 · 17 June 2012]

There is something to be said for a movie that grabs your attention from the word "go" and engages you for almost every moment you are involved. When said movie is of the independent ilk, accolades must be given. "A Lonely Place for Dying" is really a prime example of what independents can (and should) be.

Writer/Director Justin Evans is fine-tuning his sharp signature style by involving the viewer on every level imaginable. I can't help but shower this film with praise. It leaves me anticipating what Evans will do next !

One of the shining gems in this venue is Ross Marquand, who plays a soviet turncoat named Nikolai Dzerzhinsky. The year is 1972 and Nikolai has become disillusioned with the KGB He tries to get out by trading secrets, only to discover that what he's falling into may be a worse alternative !!! He eventually holes up in an abandoned Mexican prison, facing' down an assortment of "colorful" characters that could be either friend or foe.

Tension builds as Nikolai figures out who wants him out alive, and who wants the prison to be his tomb. Marquand is very effective as a person who can be somebody's strong ally one instant, then torture them the next with an almost childlike glee.

Ross Marquand gives a performance we (usually) only see from the most seasoned of actors, taking this movie to another level And completely transcending the independent genre in the process !

Also on board here are: Michael Scovotti (who emulates a 1970′s agent so well that it's uncanny) and the always enjoyable James Cromwell Not to mention "The Crow's" Michael Wincott !

"A Lonely Place for Dying" does not ever look, sound or feel like an independent film. The writing is superb, the scenery stunning and the lighting amazingly atmospheric. Sure, it's gritty when it needs to be, and often feels claustrophobic only to highlight moments of liberation. Evans provides a taut, suspense-laden roller coaster, and I'd be hard-pressed to say I have seen a better indie this year.

Definitely right on target, "A Lonely Place for Dying" is a direct hit.

WAAAAY too long for what it is

[Jessica_Brunks · 1/10 · 17 March 2019]

This whole thing should be packed in a solid 15 min short. Why stretching it so long when there is no substance, or artistic quality to make people go through it all? That was a big mistake. Directing is extremely bad. you're not supposed to pay attention to directing, but this movie makes you pay almost ALL attention to it - in a very frustrating way. I can't explain it, I did not feel comfortable for some reason, being so much "aware" of directing and photography. This movie can't really compete with anything "real". It feels like a home project, or a school project (done by a non talented kid who just wants to get a passing grade). Sorry, I wouldn't give this "project" a pass. My advise - skip.

bad

[TiffanyWalace · 1/10 · 14 March 2019]

Boring, no action, horrible directing (and editing), music is equally bad. Acting was so-so, but it seems like actors behave by instinct and not by script. It's like they were improvising the whole time, guessing lines. Very bad

An action film that can appeal to all

[babybear613 · 9/10 · 5 September 2012]

Not just your regular action movie. There's more behind the guns and fighting than the usual "shoot em up" action flick. The story line is actually well thought out rather than an excuse for more shooting and gore. Great for those looking for action, story twists, chemistry between the main characters, and a story line to bring it all together.

Some great names that I've never heard of before. Ross Marquand and Michael Scovotti were fantastic. Loved their chemistry on screen. Hope to see them in more movies in the future.

The directing was very well done. Truly blown away that this movie was made on a small budget. Great quality and very well written.

Very likely to keep most audiences interested through the whole film.

This "movie" is a cheap joke

[fdgsdfgha · 1/10 · 24 March 2019]

My 16 yr old recently made a film as a school project. It's some 20 times better than this un-talented waste of time. Well, what to expect from fake "wanna be" directors and writers who can justify their "movie career" only by listing their amateur films here and spending more time writing fake ratings than making more movies (if you google this Justin Eugene Evans, this is his only film in his 30+ yr long "professional career"). The guy actually walks around bragging about some 60 awards he got (!!!) and asking young people if they wanna "star" in his future projects. Not kidding, I did some research, because I was wondering who would make something this cheap and bad. Also, check out these 9 and 10 star ratings - all fakes; Never gave any other ratings and reviews other than this. Sad, pathetic and time-wasting experience. Best to be avoided at any cost.

They don't make spy movies like this anymore! It feels so real and honest.

[dan_marius_8 · 9/10 · 30 August 2012]

They don't make spy movies like this anymore! It feels so real and honest. I've read other reviews and all I can think is those people must be so old they've forgotten that this kind of movie IS original! When in the last 30 years has there been a spy film that focuses so much on characters? The characters are wonderful! Nikolai is both charming and a killer. I love even the smaller actors! The guy who plays the military man who is shot in the head and yells "I'M TALKING TO YOU!" is fantastic.

SPOILER ALERT SPOILER ALERT This is where I write about the plot so don't read it if you don't want to know the story.

So the film is about a KGB double agent who is escaping Russia. His CIA controller refuses to help him and NIkolai is forced to sell secrets about the CIA to the Washington Post. When the Washington Post finds out the secrets are about nerve gas being used in Laos they agree to meet him in Mexico.

I won't say the rest except to say that it is incredibly good. The words that come out of the actors is the best part. The story is very surprising. Yeah, it's a spy film and yes I've seen spy films before but this is such a great, smart, fun movie! There are twists and turns I never saw coming. This movie is definitely worthy of your time.

Is this movie for real??

[TylerWoyski · 1/10 · 17 March 2019]

Wow, I don't usually leave reviews, but since I've lost some 30 minutes of my life (that's how long I could handle this), I felt a need to share with the world. This is so bad, I initially thought it's a joke, a parody, etc. Unfortunately it's just a very cheaply done, jokingly bad, bad attempt to make a movie. I felt sorry for those actors, they did a decent job. Even the plot is not that bad, I've seen worse. But the way this is shot, edited, colorized - it's obviously someone's ego trip while proving to himself, the world and his mama that he can make a movie. Good for you.

Very bad movie

[doriangrey-60901 · 1/10 · 14 March 2019]

I don't know how did I get to see it anymore, I remember someone showing me this film, laughing. I paid attention then I started laughing too - I am not a professional film maker, I do some birthdays and parties - but this is the worst video work I've ever seen. The best scene was the ending credits. Avoid if possible. If not, then suffer watching it.

Very bad film, no quality at all. Boring, Dull, Bad directing and horrible Camera

[yttifgdnbv · 1/10 · 14 March 2019]

This would be ok if made by a blind person with no arms in the WWI. Camera work is laughable. Editing too. It drags with no idea, if someone was improvising or something. It's just too bad. But what to expect from a 50+ guy who made one independent film in his whole long career of being a professional filmographer. I think that he spends MUCH MORE TIME writing reviews to himself, using fake accounts, than actually doing movies:) Pathetic and beyond bad.

Cheaply made, Boring as hell, Fake reviews!

[ghjvcghkj · 1/10 · 14 March 2019]

OK I tried to watch this. I gave it a chance. It just sucks. My 13 yr old does better school project videos. I mean, IMDB has some low standards, when they feature this "film". It's THAT bad. OMG, it's bad.