Harsh Times

[TylerDurden182]

http://i79.photobucket.com/albums/j150/Durden_182/harsh_times.jpg

Plot Outline: A tough-minded drama about two friends in South Central Los Angeles and the violence the comes between them.

Director: David Ayer (Writer of Training Day)

Starring: Christian Bale, Freddy Rodriguez, Eva Longoria

http://i79.photobucket.com/albums/j150/Durden_182/02-31.jpg

http://i79.photobucket.com/albums/j150/Durden_182/03-22.jpg

http://i79.photobucket.com/albums/j150/Durden_182/04-17.jpg

Can't wait to check it out this week.

[dman476]

You do?

I really have zero interest in the film.

[ilovemovies]

This almost looks like a lesser version of Training Day.

Christian Bale is a good actor, but he's no Denzel Washington. And Freddie Rodriguez is no Ethan Hawke.

It looks very blah.

[TylerDurden182]

Originally posted by dman476
You do?

Mainly because Christian Bale is one of my favorite actors and by far one of the best working today.

If his name was attached to a Wayans brothers movie, chances are I would see it... well maybe.

[DarkKnight81]

I hope I get to see this in theatres, but just like the Machinist its a limited release so I may have to wait until the DVD. If Christian Bale were a Uwe Boll movie I would go see it.

[dman476]

Originally posted by TylerDurden182
Mainly because Christian Bale is one of my favorite actors and by far one of the best working today.

If his name was attached to a Wayans brothers movie, chances are I would see it... well maybe.
Haha...I understand. I'm like that too...with composer Thomas Newman.
Christian Bale is excellent, but, this film doesn't look too good (and I wasn't a fan of Training Day) so it's a pass for me.
Hope it turns out good for your sake though. :D

[bigred760]

This movie was made in 2005, but it's probably trying to capitalize on Christian Bale's new star power. I don't know if it was released STV last year or what, but here we are seeing it in theaters in Nov. 2006.

[deadguy76]

It looks like a Training Day rip-off to me. I've seen some previews and Christian Bales just hams it up and screams Al Pacino style. I'll still see it because I like crime dramas.

[Strider]

Harsh Times looks way too much like Training Day, which isn't that surprising, considering it's directed by the writer of the latter film. Still, I'll check it out, only for Christian Bale, who I am quickly becoming a huge fan of.

Strider

[RandalGraves]

I hadn't heard or seen to much with this flick, but I've been seeing trailers and its really sparked my interest...I might go see it in theaters, if not it will prolly be a blind buy on dvd.

[CyclicNightmare]

SPOILERS



















Um, I may be wrong, but I think the trailer clearly shows Bale getting shot in the head. It's near the end in a quick cut. If someone sees the movie, and this is true, let me know. Talk about trailers that give away too much.



















END SPOILERS

[echo_bravo]

Bale is in it. That is all I need to know. I will be there to see it.

[Duke Nukem]

I feel like, for the first time, Christian Bale is selling out. I know, some of of you will say "Reign of Fire," but at least that was a DIFFERENT kind of movie. Dragon movies are not all that common nowadays, and so sue me, that one was pretty good. But, this movie looks like every other cop movie ever made. Honestly, Bale, you were on such a good role...

[echo_bravo]

Originally posted by Duke Nukem
I feel like, for the first time, Christian Bale is selling out. I know, some of of you will say "Reign of Fire," but at least that was a DIFFERENT kind of movie. Dragon movies are not all that common nowadays, and so sue me, that one was pretty good. But, this movie looks like every other cop movie ever made. Honestly, Bale, you were on such a good role...

Well, he did play Batman.

[NightStalkerGtx]

Great actors take something old or predictable and make it their own and I doudt Bale will ever be a sell out in a type of movie like this, for christ sakes this isnt going to be a box office hit.

[Duke Nukem]

Originally posted by echo_bravo
Well, he did play Batman.

Hey, "Batman Begins" was not a sell-out. It was a good movie and started the franchise fresh on a good foot again.

[Seph]

To say that this movie, of all movies, is where Bale is "selling out" seems ludicrous to me. This isn't some cash cow, and he had to know that when he signed up for it. I don't even buy into the idea of someone "selling out" as it is, but if anything, The Prestige or Batman Begins (movies with star power, and a nameable director, and a real marketing budget) would be where he does it. How this is selling out is beyond me. Maybe he just liked the script.

[TylerDurden182]

Originally posted by Seph
To say that this movie, of all movies, is where Bale is "selling out" seems ludicrous to me. How this is selling out is beyond me. Maybe he just liked the script.

Agreed.

[MadsenOMC]

Originally posted by Duke Nukem
I feel like, for the first time, Christian Bale is selling out. I know, some of of you will say "Reign of Fire," but at least that was a DIFFERENT kind of movie. Dragon movies are not all that common nowadays, and so sue me, that one was pretty good. But, this movie looks like every other cop movie ever made. Honestly, Bale, you were on such a good role...

This could not be further from the truth. This movie barely got made and had a tiny budget. Ayer put all of the money he had into it. It is a true indie and apparently a gritty one. Every other cop movie ever made? Do you even know what the story is?

[DaMovieMan]

Funny how everyone's going nuts on Bale now after Batman and The Prestige while he has always been a terrific actor ... American Pyscho was that one that made me realize this guy is going places...

but I doubt i'll be seeing this movie in theatres. Too many films I'm way more interested in are coming out or already in cinemas at the moment.

DMM

[thedudeman69]

Originally posted by ilovemovies
This almost looks like a lesser version of Training Day.

Christian Bale is a good actor, but he's no Denzel Washington. And Freddie Rodriguez is no Ethan Hawke.

It looks very blah.


What the....
you are giving this a unfair comperison to Training Day.





Anyway, back on topic

This looks good. I am starting to like Bale tons. he is a great actor.

[rbowden81]

I'll definatly be seeing this. I love Bale and although I can't claim I knew about him in Newsboys but when American Psycho came out I was hooked. Loved all his stuff since. I trust Bale and if he saw something he liked in the script then I definatly want to check it out.

[Scorpio24]

Every review i've read on this film has been positive. Bale is a brilliant actor. I think the comparrisons to Training Day are unwarrented. From the clips i've seen and the reviews i've read it looks nothing like Training Day. And also alot better.

[God of War]

I made a gif of my favourite scene in the trailer. :D

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v61/ChiefThunder/TMT%20Stuff/harsh_times_thong.gif

Oh, and incase you're wondering. I'm Chief Thunder. Lol

[echo_bravo]

Originally posted by Duke Nukem
Hey, "Batman Begins" was not a sell-out. It was a good movie and started the franchise fresh on a good foot again.

Oh I agree. I wasnt dissing the man. I was just saying him playing Batman sprung Bale into the mainstream.

[MadsenOMC]

If playing Batman isn't considered selling out (which I agree with), then I have no idea how playing a character like this in a tiny indie that barely got made could be considered selling out. That makes no sense at all.

[dman476]

Originally posted by MadsenOMC
This movie barely got made and had a tiny budget. Ayer put all of the money he had into it. It is a true indie and apparently a gritty one.

I really admire that.
For that reason, and that reason alone, I may actually go watch the film.

[Tyler_Durden_208]

I'm definately checking this out. Most true indie films always get a nod from me and this one looks to be the one that scratches my itch for a dark and gritty indie film this year.
Plus Bale's "soldier of the apocalypse" line sends chills up my spine every time I see the TV spots and trailers. :D

[InvaderZim]

Originally posted by DaMovieMan
Funny how everyone's going nuts on Bale now after Batman and The Prestige while he has always been a terrific actor ... American Pyscho was that one that made me realize this guy is going places...

but I doubt i'll be seeing this movie in theatres. Too many films I'm way more interested in are coming out or already in cinemas at the moment.

DMM

yes I loved Christian Bale in American psycho, I saw that movie five times in the theater. When I heard he was going to play Batman in Batman begins I got so excited as I finally thought that an actor that deserved it got it. I'm not trying to knock on Val Kilmer but Bale is the man and everybody is going to see it.

harsh times looks like an incredible movie I saw the trailer before the new Texas chainsaw massacre and I was blown away, much like I was at the new Casino Royale trailer.

[DarkKnight81]

Originally posted by bigred760
This movie was made in 2005, but it's probably trying to capitalize on Christian Bale's new star power. I don't know if it was released STV last year or what, but here we are seeing it in theaters in Nov. 2006.

Wow, I did not know that. Why is it just being released now? I'm a little pissed its a limited release just like The Machinist which was an amazing movie. I dont get how stuff like this gets limited releases but there can be 3 Tim Allen Santa Clause movies.

[RandalGraves]

Originally posted by Duke Nukem
Hey, "Batman Begins" was not a sell-out. It was a good movie and started the franchise fresh on a good foot again.

The best and darkest Batman imo too!

[Seph]

Just got back from seeing it. Good movie. The story is really nothing like Training Day at all, this isn't even a cop movie. Unfortunately it does bear similarities to Training Day's flaws in storytelling; particularly in the 3rd act, where the film tries much too hard to force a thrilling shootout climax.

Still a good flick though. The performances are very strong.

[slapshot63]

Saw it today as well. Great movie and Bale is utterly amazing, particularly in the last act. He's on fire there and gives an absolutely amazing performance. My biggest gripe with the movie though is that "Fuck" is used a ridiculous amount of times. It seems like it was just thrown in there for the hell of it.

[therealjohng]

It is official. Christian Bale can do no wrong. He is MAGNIFICENT in this. This is one of his best performances. He's actually the only reason why I enjoyed this movie. Wow.



If he were to do Mask 3, I'd be there opening day.

[jaw2929]

It's a pretty decent movie, but not quite as good as Training Day, I didn't think...

I would say check this out though, it's a pretty solid story (if not a bit sporadic and all over the place at times) but Bale's just a phenomenal actor, and he's REALLY growing on me! :cool:

[CyclicNightmare]

Originally posted by CyclicNightmare
SPOILERS



















Um, I may be wrong, but I think the trailer clearly shows Bale getting shot in the head. It's near the end in a quick cut. If someone sees the movie, and this is true, let me know. Talk about trailers that give away too much.



















END SPOILERS
HAHA. I was right this is exactly what happens. Why would they do that in the trailer?

[DareDevil]

CyclicNightmare i know you posted spoiler warnings but you suck.

[slapshot63]

Originally posted by CyclicNightmare
HAHA. I was right this is exactly what happens. Why would they do that in the trailer?

They didn't exactly show that part though. They showed where the shotgun BB's hit him, not where Mike finished him off.

[Strider]

Harsh Times - 7/10 or ***1/2/***** stars

The marketing campaign seems to suggest that Harsh Times, screenwriter David Ayer's directorial feature, is a carbon copy of Training Day, which Ayer wrote. A powerhouse performance from the incredibly talented, versatile Christian Bale and a story which raises interesting questions about the impact war has on a man's return to life, personality, and soul, is the main reason why Harsh Times feels like a slightly different film and avoids turning into a rehash of the 2001 Denzel Washington-starring crime thriller. Freddy Rodriguez, surprisingly, manages to hold his own against Bale and shows a lot of potential as an actor. Harsh Times is a very dark, bleak ride, and watching Bale's depiction of a scary, ticking time bomb of a man whose life is falling apart due to his uncontrollable madness is as electrifying as it is haunting.

Strider

[Max Cady]

I really enjoyed the movie.
Christian Bale is a great actor and played the role very good.
Rodriguez was good also, alot of memorible moments here.

[The Phantom]

I just recently saw Harsh Times and I've gotta say it's one of the best movies of the year. It's no Departed, hell, it's not even a Superman Returns, but it whoops some serious ass and if I had the money I would go see it again. Very emotional performances that should win Bale and Rodriguez atleast some nominations.

[elliott smith]

Originally posted by ilovemovies
This almost looks like a lesser version of Training Day.

Christian Bale is a good actor, but he's no Denzel Washington. And Freddie Rodriguez is no Ethan Hawke.

It looks very blah.

Christian Bale is no Denzel Washington? I have to say Denzel is no Christian Bale. Christian Bale has used a different accent in every movie he's been in since the Newsies, probably before the Newsies. The man was an American Psycho, a Swing Kid, and arguably the best Batman to ever hit the big screen. Don't get me wrong, I like Denzel but Bale is becoming one of the most impressive actors there are. The persona changes he does from film to film. Also the physical changes, the man starved himself and became skin and bones to play in 'The Machinist' and bounced back with Batman Begins. I haven't seen a change in physical appearance like that since Robert De Niro in Raging Bull.

I watched 'Harsh Times' last night. I thought it was really great. Bale was fantastic and Rodriguez was solid. Its one of the best endings I've seen in a long time.

[Bourne101]

Well, this is leaving my theatre on Wednesday to be replaced by Tenacious D, so I won't get a chance to see it. But I'll definitley give it a view on DVD.

[Badbird]

I found this movie quite excruciating at times. Had it been about twenty minutes shorter, it might have been good. But there was so much endless macho banter about the same five things that just went on and on and on...

Very uneven. And yeah, that whole shotgun blast to the car - wildly unrealistic at that range. The movie practically turned sci-fi at that point.

What probably annoyed me more than anything was Bale's character, because I've known someone like that and I just find the whole persona full of shit and fake. There are real people like this who fuck up their lives just because they are selfish and stupid and it irritates the fuck out of me.

5/10

[JCPhoenix]

This was possibly the worst movie I saw this year. Bale was AWFUL in this, and I LOVED Bale's work before this.

Completely disappointing, especially when compared to Ayer's own Training Day script. The script in this was completely over-the-top and Bale tried too hard to act like a gangsta - yeah yeah someone could argue that the character is trying to do that, but honestly - it just didn't work. It made the majority of the movie just laughable. First half just kept going on and on and on with pointless little escapades - it worked in Training Day cause the performances were compelling and each incident was interesting - as well, each time something happened in that movie, it may not have added to the storyline always but it always added a new dimension to the characters or allowed them to develop. Unfortunately, here, there's none of that. The incidents aren't interesting, the dialogue is laughable, and nothing is learned and nothing changes throughout any of these encounters. Bale's character just keeps hopping up and down and yelling "Let's do this dawg" or whatever else...I know there are people who act like this out there but not to the extremities that this movie portrays them. Here they become caricatures rather than fleshed out people.

The second half is a little more interesting than the first cause things finally actually happen but then Bale's character randomly starts getting EXTREME mood swings (yeah yeah he's supposedly tripping...whatever)...

I don't know how many times to say this but...the dialogue was painful. Yuck.

I am STUPEFIED that this got okay reviews and that the rating on IMDb is 7.3.

This is my pick for worst movie of the year so far...Just brutal. I found nothing redeeming about the movie at all.

2/10