Part of the Game (2004)

It's my second bad rating today.I really hate doing this, but I hate even more seeing things like "rating 8/10 by 45 votes" for one really lousy movie. I wonder who gave this votes, may be the movie crew itself?On the Subject:1) It's a low budget movie.2) Unknown (at least for me) actors with bad performance.3) No special FX, low cost cameras.4) Long scenes from the same point of view (like the number of cameras was very limited)Sorry, but I prefer a well done stupid movie (Hollywood style) than a movie with good potential and very bad realization which is the case here. There is no excuse to make a movie without regards to any current technical standards only because it's not a Hollywood production. There are many good movies without using "state of the art" equipment, but this one is away from them. It looks like an unprofessional work to me.I hope my comment prevents people from being misled like me by the high score here.I really regret watching this movie. Pure waste of time.

Finally - a movie that doesn't show the stereotypical view of the drug business. Writer/director/producer Rick Alyea's vision is inspiring. He uses a very simple plot line and his lead character Robert (played by talented young actor Richard de Klerk) to show that not all who have chosen the path of wholesaling drugs are cold, pompous, hardened criminals. It is de Klerk's performance that fulfills the tag line: "For everyone with an addiction there is hope" as he embodies the human side of Robert's dilemma, whether to continue in his extremely lucrative illegal business or help his sister Janice (Jovanna Huguet, who gives a very believable performance of a drug addicted teen). The film was not only moving but enlightening. I'm sure many may be able to identify with this story, whether it is because they have been touched by drugs personally or through knowing someone with a drug addiction problem. I definitely recommend this movie.

Part of the game was an alright production. It did have a degree of marginality about it though. The technical side of things had issues but are tolerable for the most part. It was in the story side of things where the film ran into problems.The lead character of Robert (played by Richard DeKlerk) did not adequately establish his drug dealer edge side of his persona. Though DeKlerk did a reasonably good job in his performance, it just felt like the character lacked that swagger about him that really made us feel like he had that bad (criminal, tough, etc.) mentality in him. Though the focus of the film was not on that aspect of his character it was none the less lacking and seemed to take away from the believability of the character.The attempt to use the "grity" hand-held camera feel for the film was also not used quite to its best affect. Though tolerable for most of the film, some aspects (such as the first shot establishing the building) should perhaps have relied upon a more steady look. Overall though I guess it did create a certain stylized effect which was reasonably effective. The film simply needed to pull away from it at times though as to not disrupt the desired emotional tone.The doctor character did not seem all to well written in dialog or actions. It felt like doctor wanted to be the doctor from the Soprano's with an edge, I'm not quite sure. Whatever it was, it did not come off as a very believable character in this viewer's eyes. The silhouetted sequence was shot rather well though.Finally, the dialog in general could have used an objective critique before filming began. Line's such as "...we need trees on this team and you're just a bush," "...facts are concurrent with..." (Robert went from street thug to English Literature professor in a heartbeat), and "...the plot thickens..." (yes that was an actual line) were just to cliché or not suiting of character. What appeared on the screen seemed like a script that could have used a little more time in the ringer.Anyway, it is good to see homegrown talent getting recognition. Hopefully lessons will have been learned and future undertakings will show levels of maturation. Film is probably worth a look, if nothing else, if you're Canadian, at least check it out to support your own.

This film was absolutely fantastic. It really makes you think about life and the choices that one makes in life. It is one of the few movies that I have seen lately where I didn't take my eyes off the screen. The acting is phenomenal,especially the characters who play Robert (Richard de Klerk) and Janice(Jovanna Huguet)Richard de Klerk's performance rivets the viewer right until the end of the film, he is an incredible actor. For a film that is low budget it is truly remarkable what the film maker Rick Alyea was able to do.The film looks so professional that it makes you think, who needs big budgets to pull off an amazing film that is absolutely riveting. Basically this is a wonderful movie that is a must see!!!