Grind (1997)

I rated this movie a 10 / 10 mainly due to I related to it almost verbatim. I was a street racer, building my second car, living with my brother and his wife, all while my brother, my father and I all worked at the same factory! Now, it's been many, many years since I got to see this film late one night. I had just come in from working on my 72 Nova and was tired as usual but could not sleep. This movie was just coming on and so I tuned in and didn't regret it. Of course, I'm a "hot rodder", or as some prefer, a "car guy" but either way, the rides was a great part of the film but the story was very good imo. Rated it a 10 / 10 and am not ashamed to do so!

Pretty much a character driven movie, and, while a bit predictable, not too bad. In some ways the predictably has to do with the ironies of life... *slight spoiler* -- although I don't think it's much of a spoiler to say that the minute the Old Man shows his son the calendar with his retirement date "Freedom Day" circled on it, you know that the Old Man is going to die before he hits retirement. It's just that kind of movie. The plotline follows a realistic arc through the lives of these people, with the consequences of their actions not far behind.

I bought this DVD on the strength of seeing Billy Crudup in an early role.I have seen and liked Adrienne Shelly in a previous Hal Hartley film and thought that she, Crudup and Schulze (with who I am the least familiar, but no less impressed) all performed well in this indie ensemble. Amanda Peet also features in a minor early role.The story is well worn, but the pace, style, music and slow, lazy intimacy with which we are drawn into the characters makes this a very watchable movie. Billy Crudup obviously started out as he meant to continue and this film stands out as a suitably charismatic beginning, without any signs of hallmark timidity for this actor's first feature.If you like short-form, no-frills, character-driven drama, rent or buy this one today!

This is an excellent indie film -- especially for first time director Kentis who clearly shows he knows his way around a camera and editting room. The quality or actors is very high and their performances are excellent. While the subject matter may not be for everyone, the story is realistic and well-portrayed. Worth seeing!