From the movie and perhaps from the Weinstein’s vault guards
Another 2002 feature has been let out of the Weinstein’s vault. This time it comes from a critically praised director and is about the seamy underworld in a Florida town.
Sonny Mann (Timothy Olyphant) has just been released from prison and heads back to his Florida hometown. He reconnects with his Pa (Scott Wilson) and his best friend Dave (Josh Brolin). The thing is that Dave is a sheriff in the police department. He also gets back in with Eddie (Josh Lucas) and his Uncle Fred (William Forsythe) Vance because they owe him some money.
He had business with the Vances that got him in prison in the first place. Both his Pa and Dave tell him to stay away from the Vances, and that he’ll only get in trouble if he stays around them. Sonny has a reason to reconnect with the Vances since they still owe him some money. He starts a romance with Effie (Angela Bettis), but tragedy intrudes into Sonny’s life.
At the doctor’s office he gets too close to Ann (Sarah Wynter), who happens to be a childhood friend but also is Dave’s wife. It’s on the back of the box, so I guess it’s not spoiling to say that Sonny and Ann start having an affair. So Sonny has to keep two secrets from Dave, the affair and the reason for the tragic events that leaves Sonny homeless.
Director Victor Nunez was critically acclaimed for both Ruby in Paradise (1993) and Ulee’s Gold (1997). This 2002 feature was his last, so far, directorial effort. It seems odd that a renowned filmmaker’s work would be so long in coming out. However, this is the Weinsteins and they have a habit of buying films and setting on them.
I do have to say that the movie is a somewhat predictable tale. It does have a sort of Florida or Southern feel to it, and that always makes it a little interesting for me. The performances are fine. I suppose that the twist is that just when you think the movie is about to be over (it is a revenge type thriller – usually those end when the vengeance is fulfilled) it deals a little with the love “triangle” formed.
What’s odd is that the affair is not discovered until one of parties confesses and really for no apparent reason. It’s still a pretty good movie and didn’t deserve to be locked away in the vault. It just doesn’t rise to the level of those other two critically acclaimed films, though it might make a good rental.
Coastlines is presented in anamorphic widescreen (1.85:1) and enhanced for 16x9 televisions. Special features include a commentary by director Victor Nunez and a 1 minute deleted scene with optional commentary by Nunez.
Coastlines is a good movie, but it really doesn’t have that much to separate it from the host of other revenge/affair films. However, it is good and might make a good rental if it strikes you in the right mood.
Coastlines is now available at Amazon . As of yet, there is not a release date for the UK. Visit the DVD database for more information.
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