If you'll read the other reviews, you'll notice that every single one of them gives the movie the maximum rating, gushes on about how great it is, etc. It is extremely clear that these aren't reviews by random people who "just happened" to rent the movie or see it online or whatever, they are obviously people who somehow know the filmmaker, are members of hotrod groups to whom this film has already been marketed, etc. It's obvious that the film's owner/creator/whatever has solicited these comments and reviews under the mistaken impression that they will somehow influence others, which is a mistake. I just watched it online, it was certainly good for a first effort, but Jackie Grainger still has a ways to go when it comes to perfecting her craft. This is a noble first time effort, but it doesn't, contrary to the "sincere and unsolicited reviews", deserve a spot in the "top films of all time" et al. The acting is, in spots, terrible and at more than two hours, it was about 30 minutes longer than I felt it should have been (a common mistake made by first-timers who cut their own work).
75 Reviews
Good movie, but NOT worthy of 10 stars
d-sacerdote9 April 2013
I watched Deuce of Spades today with my brother-in-law, a longtime hot-rodder who was a part of hot rod culture in the 1950's (as he still is!) The film brought back a lot of memories for him, and he really enjoyed it - even coming to manly tears at the end. The cars are awesome, and the period details are for the most part dead on. I'm sure he would give Deuce 10 stars without a second thought.
I'm a little more critical, though. Some plot points are easily missed because the shots are too dark to see anything. A lot of the acting is atrociously amateurish. And for the love of God, let a professional editor have at it. Two and a half hours is at least 45 minutes too long!
I'm a little more critical, though. Some plot points are easily missed because the shots are too dark to see anything. A lot of the acting is atrociously amateurish. And for the love of God, let a professional editor have at it. Two and a half hours is at least 45 minutes too long!
On a Ed Wood Budget
vrvt28 December 2010
I shall not reiterate the accolades that Faith Granger has deservedly received here in this forum. What one should appreciate, however is that she has Directed, Written, Produced, Edited and Acted in (Chief, Cook and Bottle washer) a movie that Ed Wood would only dream of being able to create and with the passion of H.B. Halicki and his "Gone in 60 Seconds" (who had in 1974 a budget of $150,000 while Faith's budget is estimated at $25,000 in 2009, by the way). This is no "Hollywood Insider" with relations to Coppola. This is a foreign born aspiring musician who immigrated to the USA and has chased "The American Dream". There is probably a movie right there.
Nice cars but that's just about it...
bert6520 February 2011
My expectations were set high on this film as I am a car buff and a hotrodder. Too bad, I must say, I was disappointed. Not of the cars in the movie, which are great, but to the acting.
I know the budget of the film was close to nothing and it shows. The dialogue is poor, the acting of almost the entire cast is even worse (almost like an 80's pornflick) and I wish that Faith Granger had stayed behind the camera.
As for the photo, it's quite good in the car scenes but why the slowmotion shots when the filmmaker shows a leg or two?
The story around the main character in the film, the hotrod named Deuce of Spades, is interesting. I only wish that Faith Granger had taken her story to a professional filmmaker for advice and executive production instead of doing everything herself.
I know the budget of the film was close to nothing and it shows. The dialogue is poor, the acting of almost the entire cast is even worse (almost like an 80's pornflick) and I wish that Faith Granger had stayed behind the camera.
As for the photo, it's quite good in the car scenes but why the slowmotion shots when the filmmaker shows a leg or two?
The story around the main character in the film, the hotrod named Deuce of Spades, is interesting. I only wish that Faith Granger had taken her story to a professional filmmaker for advice and executive production instead of doing everything herself.
Deuce of Spades is a hand crafted piece of art!
Calypso57814 February 2011
Deuce of Spades is a hand crafted piece of art. This is a car movie, but it actually has character development, a plot, high craftsmanship, and a meaningful message which will extend its appeal far beyond the typical car movie crowd.
All the characters in this movie are fully three dimensional characters that evolve and change before the audience's eyes. They do not fall into the stereotypical categories associated with many movie characters, and show true real-life emotion, strength, and weakness. The well thought out plot keeps the audience emotionally involved with all of the characters, while giving both the character and audience room to grow. All while the plot twists create a true need to understand the characters and know the truth about the Deuce.
The quality of Deuce of Spades is also fantastic. The cinematography is very nicely done; using lots of natural light that helps showcase all of the stars of this film, including the cars. The scenery and locations are also well chosen, and add a realistic back drop for story development. All the vehicles were period correct and added realism to the story. I personally like the use of the TRI fives, 1955, 1956, 1957 Chevrolets, as a way to mark the passage of time.
This movie will naturally mean something different to each and every person who sees it, but it does get many messages across relating to the essence and feelings of love, rebellion, pride, passion, fear, and destiny. It is these messages along with the powerful emotions of the characters and decent acting that sets this film apart.
Deuce of Spades is much better than most of the movies put out by Hollywood, and stays with you long after the credits have finished. The meaningful feelings that this movie impresses upon an individual should be done by all Hollywood movies. Simply put; most other movies get their doors blown off by the Deuce of Spades.
All the characters in this movie are fully three dimensional characters that evolve and change before the audience's eyes. They do not fall into the stereotypical categories associated with many movie characters, and show true real-life emotion, strength, and weakness. The well thought out plot keeps the audience emotionally involved with all of the characters, while giving both the character and audience room to grow. All while the plot twists create a true need to understand the characters and know the truth about the Deuce.
The quality of Deuce of Spades is also fantastic. The cinematography is very nicely done; using lots of natural light that helps showcase all of the stars of this film, including the cars. The scenery and locations are also well chosen, and add a realistic back drop for story development. All the vehicles were period correct and added realism to the story. I personally like the use of the TRI fives, 1955, 1956, 1957 Chevrolets, as a way to mark the passage of time.
This movie will naturally mean something different to each and every person who sees it, but it does get many messages across relating to the essence and feelings of love, rebellion, pride, passion, fear, and destiny. It is these messages along with the powerful emotions of the characters and decent acting that sets this film apart.
Deuce of Spades is much better than most of the movies put out by Hollywood, and stays with you long after the credits have finished. The meaningful feelings that this movie impresses upon an individual should be done by all Hollywood movies. Simply put; most other movies get their doors blown off by the Deuce of Spades.
Great Movie
rodder5513 February 2011
If you ever want to see something down to earth,then this is it. Old Hot Rods and a great story make the memory from the past still live on.After seeing what Faith did with this film Hollywood should learn from her.There are some big dollar movies that are nothing more then remakes of movies from the past with a new twist.This film is one that anyone in the Hot Rod industry should see.For the young people who see the film they get to look back at what life was like for the young Hot Rodders of the day.There are many reasons people should watch this film about the Hot Rodders of yesterday.Being one of those old Hot Rodders and seeing what Faith has done makes me smile every time I think of the past.There is nothing better then going back in time when you had a classic Hot Rod and did all your own work on it.Faith Granger is one who knows what Hot Rodding is all about. Thank you Faith, Gene S. Rano
Are you kidding me with this?
djuna7318 February 2011
I'm reading the other reviews and all I can think is that OBVIOUSLY this first-time film maker is begging friends to give this film a high ranking. Don't waste your time! I won't even say it is valiant effort for a first time film maker. It's horrible. The acting makes me cringe. The story is Hollywood predictable. There is nothing refreshing about this film. Just an attempt to showcase a culture that not many people are aware of. The hot rod car scene/rockabilly music culture has been thriving for years albeit in small numbers. She's not showcasing anything "new" or "amazing". She's showcasing lack of talent. This is like a film "popularity" contest. The only thing this film has going for it is the "social networking likes" that it has been given. I see links for it posted on H.A.M.B and other hot-rodder/kustom boards - and that is where THEIR interest lies. In the cars. And after that? SO WHAT? Bad boy and good girl love story? PLAYED OUT....over and over again. Yet another movie that portrays "tough guys" from the 50s in cuffed jeans, white t-shirts, boots and leather jackets. Yeah....that stereotype is GETTING OLD and is pretty off base too. Congratulations on the so called $0 budget that this was made on. That budget is VERY evident in every aspect of this film! Don't waste your time. Watch Happy Days if you need your bad-boy-leather-jacket-wearing fix. At least the Fonz is more entertaining than this drivel!
A Timeless Masterpiece
mkbishop16 December 2010
All I can say is ... Faith Granger has created a timeless masterpiece.
The hot rod culture, the meticulous attention to period detail, the characters, the story, the beautiful cinematography, the music, the whole package: I don't think I'm going over the edge when I say I had flashes of Bergman and Welles watching DEUCE OF SPADES - her editing is Oscar-worthy and there are scenes where Ms. Granger's camera work literally takes your breath away. The film is an emotional roller coaster unsurpassed by anything from Hollywood. DEUCE OF SPADES gets better with each viewing and its artistry is a pleasure to experience.
Most of today's $100 million+ releases are mindless eye candy, completely forgotten when you leave the theater. DEUCE OF SPADES, made with a total budget of $100,000+, stays with you long after the film has ended. I think it's destined to be a rarity in movies: a personal, independently-made film that becomes an American cult classic with broad appeal.
Granger put studio Hollywood to shame. If there is any justice, she will have a great future in film.
The hot rod culture, the meticulous attention to period detail, the characters, the story, the beautiful cinematography, the music, the whole package: I don't think I'm going over the edge when I say I had flashes of Bergman and Welles watching DEUCE OF SPADES - her editing is Oscar-worthy and there are scenes where Ms. Granger's camera work literally takes your breath away. The film is an emotional roller coaster unsurpassed by anything from Hollywood. DEUCE OF SPADES gets better with each viewing and its artistry is a pleasure to experience.
Most of today's $100 million+ releases are mindless eye candy, completely forgotten when you leave the theater. DEUCE OF SPADES, made with a total budget of $100,000+, stays with you long after the film has ended. I think it's destined to be a rarity in movies: a personal, independently-made film that becomes an American cult classic with broad appeal.
Granger put studio Hollywood to shame. If there is any justice, she will have a great future in film.
- Kevin Bishop - CANADA
Long, tedious, disappointing and self-involved
asya25 February 2012
Does this movie have some likable elements? Yes. Is it plausible that anyone over the age of 12 would give it 9 or 10 stars? Not in the least.
The dialog and acting are amateurish to the point of being a constant distraction. The director's choice to keep showcasing her own self in slow-mo soft focus shots really makes me wonder if the point of this film was to tell a story or just create an homage to her own looks.
The soundtrack is pretty good. The quality of actual film making is very impressive for first time effort. But the script could have benefited from some professional editing, the actors could have been much better (though the acting may not have seemed as bad if their lines were more realistic). And the movie was way longer than it should have been.
Thumbs down.
The dialog and acting are amateurish to the point of being a constant distraction. The director's choice to keep showcasing her own self in slow-mo soft focus shots really makes me wonder if the point of this film was to tell a story or just create an homage to her own looks.
The soundtrack is pretty good. The quality of actual film making is very impressive for first time effort. But the script could have benefited from some professional editing, the actors could have been much better (though the acting may not have seemed as bad if their lines were more realistic). And the movie was way longer than it should have been.
Thumbs down.
A look back in time to the mid 1950's
landinvest13 December 2010
Deuce of Spades is a move that begins telling the story of a 1932 Ford Highboy Roadster but ends up with the discovery of a love story between the builder of the roadster and his girl.
This exquisitely photographed film filled with so many fantastic hot rods, jumps back in time to the mid 1950's; the age of innocence, when fast cars, rock and roll, drag racing, and good times were all that mattered to young people.
Author/Director/Producer/Editor Faith Granger, has captured the look and feel of Southern California back in the days when orange groves dotted the landscape and swing dances were all the rage. Period correct in every detail Granger manages to bring back the simple life style of that era with confidence and grace. But it is her keen story telling of the lost love between Johnny Calloway and Betty Thompson that captivates the main thread of the story
The most incredible aspect of this film is that film maker Granger, never went to film school, never made a film before, had never written a script, never edited a movie or scored a film before Deuce of Spades. Faith Granger is an undiscovered talent whose keen eye for detail and smart approach to film making should be making movies for a major studio. I for one look forward to more outstanding work from this most talented film maker.
Lynn B. Tivens Meister Communications
This exquisitely photographed film filled with so many fantastic hot rods, jumps back in time to the mid 1950's; the age of innocence, when fast cars, rock and roll, drag racing, and good times were all that mattered to young people.
Author/Director/Producer/Editor Faith Granger, has captured the look and feel of Southern California back in the days when orange groves dotted the landscape and swing dances were all the rage. Period correct in every detail Granger manages to bring back the simple life style of that era with confidence and grace. But it is her keen story telling of the lost love between Johnny Calloway and Betty Thompson that captivates the main thread of the story
The most incredible aspect of this film is that film maker Granger, never went to film school, never made a film before, had never written a script, never edited a movie or scored a film before Deuce of Spades. Faith Granger is an undiscovered talent whose keen eye for detail and smart approach to film making should be making movies for a major studio. I for one look forward to more outstanding work from this most talented film maker.
Lynn B. Tivens Meister Communications
DVD worth... Nothing more.
stevendanielbrown8 June 2013
As an avid car enthusiast I held some hope for the film. I knew going in that it did not have a decent budget to it. I've seen many low budget films across a plethora of genres but this is one of the worst. I thought Faith should have stayed off screen. She was the one dark spot I found within the variety of actors. Why only her? Because i did see some skill in many others but it was the script that held them back. Simply because she wrote the film does not men she should have been in it. The story behind the title car was intriguing but the build up to the revelations around it was incredibly choppy. I feel the writer/creator/lead actress should have pitched the idea or allowed someone else to rewrite the script and just as importantly she should have let someone else produce. There was potential here but unfortunately it seemed ego to do everything Faiths own way was what held this film back.
Duce of Spades feel good film
OildaleMan7 January 2011
I'm not a writer, but I know what I like when I see a film. I want to be entertained, I want to check out and think of better times just for a hour or so and escape reality. This film made me remember times of the 50's and 60's. Though this film payed attention to those times in 50's.
This is wonderful inspiring film did all that and more. I love hot rods and the importance of those car clubs in my high schools days.
Those races that were held on those back country roads of the past I experienced in my youth as a teenager. Those races were important part of the of my life in Kern County. It made me remember back in the day.
The story, the music, the hot rods, and the acting brought me back to those days. It made me smile, and brought tears to my eyes.
It was a gentle step back into the past. It was a love story, and what's more important than love and fast cars... especially hot rods.
I highly recommend this film. Faith Granger you did it in style.
Thank you and well done.
This is wonderful inspiring film did all that and more. I love hot rods and the importance of those car clubs in my high schools days.
Those races that were held on those back country roads of the past I experienced in my youth as a teenager. Those races were important part of the of my life in Kern County. It made me remember back in the day.
The story, the music, the hot rods, and the acting brought me back to those days. It made me smile, and brought tears to my eyes.
It was a gentle step back into the past. It was a love story, and what's more important than love and fast cars... especially hot rods.
I highly recommend this film. Faith Granger you did it in style.
Thank you and well done.
Depends if you watch 'Deuce' as a hot-rodder, or as movie audience...
J_Frank_Parnell8 October 2022
If you're looking for a movie with a buttload of genuinely cool hot-rod custom cars, with dozens of very nice-looking fan-service shots of desireable 3x2 bbl carburetor set-ups, and guide headlights, a drilled, dropped, nickel-plated front axels. And a bunch of 30yos playing teen-agers, dressed like an early-2000's set-dresser's image of the ULTIMATE cool-kids from the mid-late 50s, then 'Duece of Spades' is a 10/10.
...but for a general audience, just looking for a decent movie, well... This ain't it, chief; Honestly (despite being a hot rodder, genuinely imprerssed with the beautiful custom cars in 'DoS', and the fun cameos from Winfield and Hines), I feel like I'm being generous, giving 'Deuce of Spades' a 2/10.
For a low-budget first movie from an unknown director, running what seems to be basically a one-woman passion project, 'Deuce' isn't bad- The production looks slick and more proffessional than 99% of first-timers' efforts (tbh, it's pretty OVER-produced, in parts; It looks like a cheesy, soft-filtered ad for greeting cards. Or for insurance, pitched at senior citizens pining for 1963. Or a Celine Dione music video from the 90s. But over-production in your first movie is almost impressive, in a wierd way).
But despite having it's strengths (primarily cool cars, and slick production) the writing and dialogue are reeeally bad, even by "first movie" standards. The amateur actors are well... amateur. The fight-scenes are even worse. And probasbly most important- the story is just way too schmaltzy and over-dramatic, without the screenwriting skills to pull it off. The pacing is awful. And it's AT LEAST 30 minutes too long; Honestly, I think it would have worked best trimmed right down to maybe 45 to 65 minutes, condensed into a quick, punchy, fast-paced story, where the cars and slickness would be enough to carry a movie of that length, without dragging on long enough for it's short-comings to become evident.
Overall, 'Deuce' is pretty impressive for a low-budget first movie.... People who share Grainger's obvious love for hot rods, 50s nostalgia, and the retro Car Club scene may find the endless parade of dropped, channelled roadsters with Duvall windshields and pie-crust slicks, and the cameos from (custom car legends) Gene Winfield and Bill Hines are enough to carry the movie... But the general viewer (or anyone watching the movie-making, rather than the cars and/or vantiy-shots of the actors) won't...
...but for a general audience, just looking for a decent movie, well... This ain't it, chief; Honestly (despite being a hot rodder, genuinely imprerssed with the beautiful custom cars in 'DoS', and the fun cameos from Winfield and Hines), I feel like I'm being generous, giving 'Deuce of Spades' a 2/10.
For a low-budget first movie from an unknown director, running what seems to be basically a one-woman passion project, 'Deuce' isn't bad- The production looks slick and more proffessional than 99% of first-timers' efforts (tbh, it's pretty OVER-produced, in parts; It looks like a cheesy, soft-filtered ad for greeting cards. Or for insurance, pitched at senior citizens pining for 1963. Or a Celine Dione music video from the 90s. But over-production in your first movie is almost impressive, in a wierd way).
But despite having it's strengths (primarily cool cars, and slick production) the writing and dialogue are reeeally bad, even by "first movie" standards. The amateur actors are well... amateur. The fight-scenes are even worse. And probasbly most important- the story is just way too schmaltzy and over-dramatic, without the screenwriting skills to pull it off. The pacing is awful. And it's AT LEAST 30 minutes too long; Honestly, I think it would have worked best trimmed right down to maybe 45 to 65 minutes, condensed into a quick, punchy, fast-paced story, where the cars and slickness would be enough to carry a movie of that length, without dragging on long enough for it's short-comings to become evident.
Overall, 'Deuce' is pretty impressive for a low-budget first movie.... People who share Grainger's obvious love for hot rods, 50s nostalgia, and the retro Car Club scene may find the endless parade of dropped, channelled roadsters with Duvall windshields and pie-crust slicks, and the cameos from (custom car legends) Gene Winfield and Bill Hines are enough to carry the movie... But the general viewer (or anyone watching the movie-making, rather than the cars and/or vantiy-shots of the actors) won't...
Bravo Faith
old-speed5 December 2010
For an "Home made" low-budget film, Faith has nothing to be ashamed face other film sizes similar. Good all age story, good construction for the scenario, good choice of cars for the flashbacks, although unknown actors (except some celebrities out of the movie world that you will recognize if you are passionate ) but doing very well (we had much worse in big budget movies ),...
Frankly, if there is one lesson of this movie is when we want something, you can get, Faith is the proof, just watch the end credits and listen to the first minutes of making off, she almost did everything alone, production, screenplay, directing actors, ... she even participate in the film as actress, production of the soundtrack,... Faith, you're a Lady. I don't think passionate fifties and / or cars, you can be disappointed by this small unpretentious film, or you're very critical.
That was my personal opinion.
Good vision
Frankly, if there is one lesson of this movie is when we want something, you can get, Faith is the proof, just watch the end credits and listen to the first minutes of making off, she almost did everything alone, production, screenplay, directing actors, ... she even participate in the film as actress, production of the soundtrack,... Faith, you're a Lady. I don't think passionate fifties and / or cars, you can be disappointed by this small unpretentious film, or you're very critical.
That was my personal opinion.
Good vision
Nice amateur effort - 60 minutes too long
MongoLloyd11 June 2011
Warning: Spoilers
Technically, Deuce of Spades is a fine film. From a storytelling and performance standpoint it falls a bit short and gets a little heavy handed and drawn out (could be at least 30 minutes shorter) with respect to the bad guy/good girl storyline as well as the intro/set up with the casting choice of a non native English speaking actress which I found a bit odd.
Some of the idioms used in the dialog got a bit mangled which I expect is due to the writer being a non native English speaker. Some script proof reading would have helped in that regard as well as with some of the stilted Tommy Wiseau-like dialog. One other ironic aspect of non-native English speaking authorship is the fact that "Deuce of Spades" is American slang for "an unusually black and tarry load of feces."
For lovers of 50's era Americana, especially Hot Rod culture, this film is a nice bit of eye candy and has more cuffed bluejeans and white t-shirts than you can shake a stick at.
Some of the idioms used in the dialog got a bit mangled which I expect is due to the writer being a non native English speaker. Some script proof reading would have helped in that regard as well as with some of the stilted Tommy Wiseau-like dialog. One other ironic aspect of non-native English speaking authorship is the fact that "Deuce of Spades" is American slang for "an unusually black and tarry load of feces."
For lovers of 50's era Americana, especially Hot Rod culture, this film is a nice bit of eye candy and has more cuffed bluejeans and white t-shirts than you can shake a stick at.
Faith is the Key, For ignition press play!
ford-3910 December 2010
Warning: Spoilers
Retrospective film accounts of times past involving innocent youth and classic automobiles are inevitably compared to American Graffiti. Granger's Deuce Of Spades relies on none of the elements of that film and moves into uncharted territory.
Where Graffiti took us down a memorable stroll of a mere decade past, Deuce Of Spades covers over a half-century with a story that portrays the periods, lives and times of several multi-dimensional characters. A dramatic story that at first appears strange yet familiar, it encapsulates a tale any baby boomer can relate to and truly appreciate. Sans comedic relief with a true period correct depiction, it takes a hard edge look at the history of hot rodding.
For the main character Johnny Callaway, was he a hood running afoul of the law or just a young man trying to make his mark and chart his future during the post war era. Was Bettie wrong to accept her parent's plans for her, or did she fall prey to the lies of a friend who wanted her out of the way.
The story unfolds with true credibility, using masterful cinematography that totally belies the films low-to-no budget. Standing head and shoulders above other entry-level films in release today, Deuce Of Spades is like a good book you can't put down and one you will return to for a second look. Guaranteed!
Larry D
Where Graffiti took us down a memorable stroll of a mere decade past, Deuce Of Spades covers over a half-century with a story that portrays the periods, lives and times of several multi-dimensional characters. A dramatic story that at first appears strange yet familiar, it encapsulates a tale any baby boomer can relate to and truly appreciate. Sans comedic relief with a true period correct depiction, it takes a hard edge look at the history of hot rodding.
For the main character Johnny Callaway, was he a hood running afoul of the law or just a young man trying to make his mark and chart his future during the post war era. Was Bettie wrong to accept her parent's plans for her, or did she fall prey to the lies of a friend who wanted her out of the way.
The story unfolds with true credibility, using masterful cinematography that totally belies the films low-to-no budget. Standing head and shoulders above other entry-level films in release today, Deuce Of Spades is like a good book you can't put down and one you will return to for a second look. Guaranteed!
Larry D
A wonderful car movie with an even better story.
oofive9 December 2010
I got the movie to watch it for the 1950's hotrod element but was pleasantly surprised by a wonderful and touching story that made this 46 year old man get teary eyed 3 times. The nostalgic era of 1950's hotrodding is captured as if we were watching footage from then, only on modern video. The cars make you want to be there. Then there is the story that sucks you in, even if you are not the sentimental type. Faith Granger unfolds her story so well, and ties in the hotrods so perfectly, that you don't even realize how much these characters suddenly mean to you.
The cinematography provides a warm and inviting feel to the movie. Much of the daylight scenes are filmed during "magic hour" when the low sun provides a warm orange glow, or else the genius of Faith Granger just got the lighting perfect that way to provide the look. Get it, watch it, you'll love it too.
The cinematography provides a warm and inviting feel to the movie. Much of the daylight scenes are filmed during "magic hour" when the low sun provides a warm orange glow, or else the genius of Faith Granger just got the lighting perfect that way to provide the look. Get it, watch it, you'll love it too.
Totally engrossing
whodaky5 January 2011
The quality of this film can only be described as incredible, when one considers that Faith Granger is virtually a total amateur in the field of making movies and all the aspects involved to create this movie.
But her passion for the Hot Rod lifestyle shines through in the attention to create total realism for the era being depicted in this movie.
When you also consider that virtually all the actors were also appearing in a movie for the first time and played their rolls so well, tells me of their commitment and the belief they had in Faith and her production.
The storyline is such that one doesn't have to be into Hot Rod and Custom cars to enjoy this film. Because the storyline isn't totally about the hot rod and custom cars. At the end of the day this is a love story set in an era that Faith obviously loves. But I see that she does not do this in a self indulgent way. She came up with a concept that she believed in and went for it. And as I suggested earlier the end result is stunning.
I would highly recommend this movie to anyone.
Geoff aka whodaky
But her passion for the Hot Rod lifestyle shines through in the attention to create total realism for the era being depicted in this movie.
When you also consider that virtually all the actors were also appearing in a movie for the first time and played their rolls so well, tells me of their commitment and the belief they had in Faith and her production.
The storyline is such that one doesn't have to be into Hot Rod and Custom cars to enjoy this film. Because the storyline isn't totally about the hot rod and custom cars. At the end of the day this is a love story set in an era that Faith obviously loves. But I see that she does not do this in a self indulgent way. She came up with a concept that she believed in and went for it. And as I suggested earlier the end result is stunning.
I would highly recommend this movie to anyone.
Geoff aka whodaky
Great way to spend a couple of hours.
fargginshely24 December 2010
I waited it seemed like forever to finally see this film. It was worth the wait. My wife and I enjoyed the story line and wonderful videography of the film. I think Faith's choice of sound track was also cool. The scenes, locations and especially the cars were period perfect. If you look at my bio it'll show you my age and the time I grew up around hotrods. Here in the midwest they were few and far between so it was great seeing the early hotrodding years. And I'm sure the younger generation will also enjoy it. I'd love to view the movie on the big screen and I think it would enhance the movie if and when that happens. Faith's determination to shoot a beautiful "hotrod" movie was well done with the Deuce of Spades!
Faith Granger - Bringing "home-made" to a whole new level...
ktowler-627-65184712 December 2010
In my opposite coast relationship with Faith Granger, what I've found amazing about her is devotion. And attention to detail. And fearlessness. And the use of a switchblade. Although, I have come to recognize that she is actually a Swiss Army knife, one of the big versions - a tool for everything. I enjoyed her "filmmaker's commentaries" immensely, especially after watching the film twice, in which she deploys said knife: "I'm a hot rodder, Joann," hardeeharhar!
Deuce of Spades is a devotion film; part love story and part journey with a fine dusting of authentic rodding culture post WWII. It doesn't parrot any other hot rod film with a lot of quaint notions about youngsters. Instead, we see Faith herself set out to discover in this film, a story, interlaced with revealing flashbacks. It is pleasantly surprising and authentic. So please, visit the Deuce of Spades website. Buy the DVD. Buy a t-shirt and renew yourself with a second chance.
Deuce of Spades is a devotion film; part love story and part journey with a fine dusting of authentic rodding culture post WWII. It doesn't parrot any other hot rod film with a lot of quaint notions about youngsters. Instead, we see Faith herself set out to discover in this film, a story, interlaced with revealing flashbacks. It is pleasantly surprising and authentic. So please, visit the Deuce of Spades website. Buy the DVD. Buy a t-shirt and renew yourself with a second chance.
Great movie made it to my top 5
bonnetgirl1516 December 2010
I DO believe in second chances (tag line from the movie). If you love your cars and love life, this movie is a MUST to see. It tore at the very heart of my emotions. I could relate to it all. I compliment Faith Granger on doing a fantastic job first time round with her acting, film making and producing and more. The inital set up of the story line was good, and i didn't get lost in between present day and 50 years before. Great use of black and white in the beginning to put you into that "historic" mode. This is a movie about hotrodders, for hotrodders, by hotrodders. If you EVER had an interest in Hot Rods, you won't be disappointed in this movie. If you have a spare hour or so, see this film.
An Ace of a movie
rustyduvall15 October 2012
To me the only thing that keeps this movie from being a "10" was the budget. knowing that going into it and you really get down to the abilities of the cast & crew. I have built countless hot rods 15+Deuces, this movie is period correct and it is filmed in this throw-back style as well puts you back in the day, as I believe is best suited for this type film. The story line had me to tears a few times and even watching it a 2nd time it was spell binding. I personally could relate to so much of the story plot as a car guy, a hopeless romantic, and someone who has had to bounce back and overcome the odds. I love the 50s if you do or want a spot on representation of what you missed out on, see this remarkable film. If your a fan of the other iconic car flicks I believe this is the next one. Now if your a fast n furious guy more then 2 lane black top American Graffitti then I believe you'll still enjoy it, but know it is realistic and filmed so. If you like the original James Bond films where he used wit and usually walk away after the scruff with that arrogant British smirk and just a little dirt on a sleeve rather then all bloody torn up like all the Bruce Willis film characters of modern era James Bond then this movie is a 10 because you understand sticking to tradition.
just a very good moment
topper628 November 2011
Yes there is no specials effects, yes it's not a blockbuster but yes it's what cinema must be..... Passion. Because this film was made with passion and heart.I prefer this independent film to "A transformers" because just after watching it I was happy of speeding 2 cool hours. The actors are nice and charismatic, the music is excellent, and the cars. I want one. If you're looking for a great moment of homemade cinema with authenticity and will expect cinema will not be only blockbusters. Please buy it, don't download it. Please Please Please help the independent cinema. So thank you Faith Granger and I Hope you could make another film........I buy it right now.
The Sounds and Images of the Deuce - Resonated and Inspired.
exitmusic-988-21107627 February 2011
I was invited to a screening of the film at a friends B-day. 4 or 5 guys over for food and a movie. We are all into vintage cars. I knew nothing about the film or plot. As it unfolded (I had planned to leave early for work day following), I was mesmerized and was stuck in my chair right until the end. I had to "know what happened." OK so lets talk content. I fell in love with the chick buying the car. I think it was the way the story unfolded that got me. The pace. Coupled with the stunning color, shots, angles; what filled the frame along with the music and cuts, pulled me in. And of course "The Car." All the sudden OK there are cool cars but oops so this is a ..... story also. I am always up for a good one, along with a mystery, and the rumble of souped up motors. I found the cutback in time to black and white fading back into color (present at the time) a clever vehicle (not car), for moving me through time. I liked Johnny He was a like-able motorhead. Full of himself but not too much...I loved the chase of the girl. Details Details, but this is me the guy watching as a film lover and story lover. Overall the Characters in the film were interesting and "fit" amazingly well. I think though (filmmaker now talking), that the film left me feeling like I had been to a magical time, a moment somewhere in time I had never been, familiar but new, told differently. The way the filmed looked From a photography standpoint was visually "excitingly beautiful." The long lens shots of the deuce ripping across the desert, made me want to be in that car with the wind in my hair..and dust in my eyes. I could taste it...Bravo to all who were involved. Different film genre entirely but the way the cast production crew and all who speak about Forest Gump...say it was amazing and engrossing path working on and finishing the film. I suspect the people who where involved with this one feel the same. That the process of weaving this yarn on film will endure for their lifetime. Not just a job or a thing they did but part of their makeup and character. THIS ONE WILL ENDURE AS A MODERN DAY MASTERPIECE FROM OUTA THE FIRE (coming from the pipes), and into your HEART. Lastly - THE music The MUSIC and The editing...BRILLIANT, AHhhh sigh! and oh yes FAITH - ow ow oh wow...
P.S. My personal taste is I do not like the name of the Lord taken in vain and I would never say it on film. It is what the characters would have said; kept it real. Then again I don't like smoking. The characters and scenarios were "authentic", and is what counts in a film and a story.
P.S. My personal taste is I do not like the name of the Lord taken in vain and I would never say it on film. It is what the characters would have said; kept it real. Then again I don't like smoking. The characters and scenarios were "authentic", and is what counts in a film and a story.
A cinematic masterpiece about life, love and hot rodding in the fifties!
bowmanc-941-4554703 January 2011
Set against the backdrop of the early 1950's, Deuce of Spades whisks you away into the very heart and soul of classic hot rodding. More than just lots of very cool cars, and believe me, there is a veritable sea of timeless classics, at its core, Deuce of Spades is a powerful and moving love story. Woven into the colourful tapestry of swing dancing, vintage rock 'n' roll, saddle shoes, and fast cars, this movie goes straight for your heartstrings and doesn't let go. Hang on tight 'cause you're right along for the ride with Johnny Callaway, (wonderfully played by Timothy Luke) and his Deuce of Spades.
Faith Granger has created something truly magical that will stand for years to come as a landmark in independent cinema. There's an honesty and passion which comes through and the only thing which touches me more than the story portrayed in the movie is the story behind its brilliantly gifted creator.
Faith Granger has created something truly magical that will stand for years to come as a landmark in independent cinema. There's an honesty and passion which comes through and the only thing which touches me more than the story portrayed in the movie is the story behind its brilliantly gifted creator.
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