Frailty

Rating:
Summary: "Frailty" is a special film; a thoughtful, quiet thriller.
Review: Those who happen to catch "Frailty" in theaters will no doubt be reminded of the defense case of convicted murderer Andrea Yates, who took the life of her five young children in what was described by her lawyers and supporters as her attempt to save them from the hellfire. The case was thought-provoking, and a cause for controversy that forced the public to ask themselves, "What defines insanity, and furthermore, sanity?"

The psychological elements of "Frailty" work in very much the same manner, posing us that question in a forthright manner that is shocking, brutal, and completely immersive. It possesses a brainy, intricate plot, well-drawn character relationships, and an ending that begs its audience to begin arguing.

The movie begins with a meeting, of sorts, between FBI agent Wesley Doyle (Powers Boothe), and Fenton Meiks (Matthew McConaughey), who claims to have information about the identity of the God's Hand killer, the case Doyle presides over. There are some initial revelations that are placed on the table upfront, one of which is Fenton's statement that his brother, Adam, is the killer; Doyle is disbelieving, but intrigued enough to listen to what Fenton has to say.

Fenton jumps back in time to his childhood, revealing the relationship between he, Adam, and their father, played by Bill Paxton who is known throughout the film as "Dad." We see them as a family, tightly knit as a result of their mother's death, made stronger by their dependence on one another. The film makes it clear that Paxton's character is a devoted father, loving of his children, and willing to do anything to protect them. His children, in turn, mirror these qualities.

One night, things change. The father wakes his children up in the middle of the night to tell them of a vision from an angel, who spoke to him about his role as God's servant in destroying demons who walk the earth in human form. He claims that when he places his hands upon the person, he can reveal them for who they really are. He further informs them that he will be receiving weapons and a list of those to be destroyed. In any other movie, the father would be an abusive wretch bent on exacting bloody justice; the fact that he is a loving and caring father makes this new development all the more unsettling.

The younger, impressionable son, Adam, willingly accepts his father's statement (in one moment, he asks his father, "Are we going to be superheroes?"). Fenton, on the other hand, believes it is all a bad dream, until his father brings home a young woman in the middle of the night, carries her into their shed, and takes an axe to her. Such scenes are handled exquisitely, choosing to keep the gore almost non-existent, thereby increasing the shock factor. The presence of the children in the midst of such violence is brutal, a testament to the film's honest approach.

The way in which Paxton carries out these events, both as an actor and as a director, is spellbinding. In front of the camera, he portrays the father with a believable conviction of his faith, matching the religious fanaticism and lunacy of Piper Laurie's Mrs. White in "Carrie." In the director's chair, he handles the material nicely, balancing the supreme chills with the ongoing argument of divine intervention that remains intact and fruitful. The two story lines, past and present, weave into one another fluidly without losing interest, and McConaughey provides his character with a tidal wave of mystery that keeps us waiting for the final resolution.

Without revealing the major twists, the film's ending is that rare gem that works with and against it. There are revelations aplenty, those that work, and those that do and don't simultaneously. The negation of the film's earlier neutrality in concern to the father's carryings-on is slightly disappointing; this choosing of sides and a murky role reversal don't altogether work in the material's favor, but they do, however, provide a nice surprise twist that casts predictability and convention into the wind.

And even now, thinking about the ending, I'm reminded of how the film challenged me to think, of how it worked me in ways many other films fail to. Bill Paxton's career as an actor shines here, and his start as a director is promising. "Frailty" is a special film, a thoughtful, quiet thriller with enough brains, realistic chills, and effective energy to make up for its few, easily forgiveable flaws.

Rating:
Summary: A thriller that makes you think & scares the heck out of you
Review: This one has something to satisfy everyone. If you're looking for truly creepy, spooky events, you won't be dissappointed. But if you also like movies that aren't predictable and make you think, really think, about issues of faith and belief, this is also the movie for you.
While I'm not a huge fan of horror movies, this isn't really a typical horror movie -although I've heard it described as one. Instead, it has more to do with commitment to one's beliefs, even if following them means murder.
Bill Paxton is believable as a father who suddenly has a vision from God who gives him a list of demons to kill ( demons who are disguised as people living ordinary lives). When he tells his two young sons this, one of them, Fenton, is sceptical and, understandably, fears his father is going crazy. The other son is an instant believer.
From this beginning, the movie veers off in different directions, all of them fascinating. I thought could see the twists in this one coming but I was wrong. I'd say more but I think you should discover the special pleasures of this movie yourself. It isn't always an easy ride (I had to turn my face from the screen several times) but it is well worth the trip.

Rating:
Summary: Troubling in portrayal of religious
Review: If this movie had chosen to use a make pretend god as opposed to the real God I would not have had as much trouble with the movie.

From the moment their father had a vision it was apparent that the movie was going to be unkind to the God-fearing. I was right. My friend, who does not go to church, loved the movie but I could not get beyond the idiot that was the boys father.

Remove this aspect by let's say a tree talking to him then I would have believed it more.

Despite this the movie has a couple of twists in the end that make the movie well written. I am still not recommending it.

Rating:
Summary: A Disturbing Thriller You Will NEVER Forget.
Review: Yes! Finally, it is here on DVD! I could not wait to purchase it!

"Frailty" is a dark and terrifying film that surprised me so many times. Just when I thought I knew what was going on, the next scene would prove me wrong. The complexity and creativeness that went into this film is so mind-blowing. It takes risks, and forces us to ask questions that are better left unanswered.

A series of murders has been contaminating a small town. The case is known as the "God's Hand". The movie starts with McConaughey entering the FBI station, claiming that he knows who the "God's Hand" killer is. With this, he tells his story and we witness shocking flashbacks to when he was a kid.

Paxton, who is also the director, stars as a very religious and loving father. His two sons, (remember, this is all McConaughey's story, so this entire part is the flashback) mean all the world to him. Everything seems perfect, until Paxton awakes his sons, telling him that an angel visited him at night, telling him that there were demons lurking around and they took the form of human-beings. He instructs his sons that they must "destroy" them. (Meaning, "killing.") The oldest son thinks his father has lost it, but he has no idea how far things are about to go. I cannot tell you anymore, otherwise it'll ruin the movie for you. Know this, however, you will be shocked, and you will feel disturbed when it is all said and done.

Bill Paxton does an outstanding job as a first time director. This is the type of movie that really requires talent from famous and acclaimed directors, but Paxton proves to us that not only can he act, but he can direct. Every shot in the movie is very well planned and laid out. He also proves exactly what kinds of emotions he wants his actors to show us. That task, I'm sure, is not a very easy one. The acting was really impressive, and must've been quite a chore to accomplish in this type of film. It is the direction and the acting that makes this movie so unique and chilling.

Yes, this film is very disturbing and very violent. Not in graphic detail; there's hardly any blood or gore. It's just the overall idea and the way the "destruction of the demons" are presented to us. Be warned; this is not for people with weak hearts or stomaches.

This movie still shocked and frightened me, even seeing it for the second time. Even though I knew exactly what was going to happen, I still felt very uneasy and disturbed, as if I were just experiencing it for the first time.

Now, on to the DVD. For it being an independent film, it has some pretty neat features, including commentary, a making of feature, theatrical trailer, and more. The picture and sound quality was also very good.

This movie isn't for everybody, especially if you are the really religous type who get offended easily. This movie IS NOT FOR YOU! Don't even attempt it! If you can handle dark and terrifying thrillers, than chances are you will enjoy this film. All in all, "Frailty" is gut-wrenching, dark and twisted thriller that will keep you guessing until the very end. And even after it's all over, this movie will still be on your mind.

Want to try something fun? Watch this movie really LATE. Right before bedtime. See if you can get a goodnight's sleep after that.

Rating:
Summary: One of the Best films this 21st Century¿ God Willing.
Review: On a quite day in 1979, Bill Paxton (Dad) has a vision that changes his life and the life of his sons, forever. As a single parent mechanic living in rural Texas he now has a new mission - his family are really superheros, chosen by God to do his will, go by the name of "God's Hands", and Dad must kill demons with his children, Fenton and Adam... but Fenton does not believe... and we are not so sure either.

The theme of Frailty is moral weakness as Fenton, the older of the two children, is having trouble coming to terms with the fact that his father has probably gone insane. Adam, however, trusts everything and when his father uses three magic weapons (given to him by God) to 'destroy' the evil, he sees the demons too, but Fenton has no faith and can not see the demons. Also Dad has learned some secrets about Fenton that he hopes to prove wrong. Fenton challenges his father's beliefs, but Dad is having none of that because the mission is to relentlessly destroy demons (who look human) on a list given to them by an angel and to bury the decimated bodies in a rose garden behind their home. It is a destiny that Fenton must recognize before it is too late... but Fenton is frail and he wants to expose his father's sickness to the local town's sheriff.

Frailty is told in flashback style as Matthew McConaughey turns up at the FBI, over 30 years since the killings began, to tell Agent Doyle (Powers Boothe) that he knows who the "God's Hands" serial killer is, but in order for Doyle to understand more he must listen to the story of "Dad" and why he believes that his brother is the "God Hands" killer. Are you a little confused? You will be until the final credits role but by then you will have connected everything and the twists are good and many.

Frailty is a brilliant movie. In fact it has been a long time coming but Bill Paxton not only has his best role to date, but shines as an actor turned director in the same vein as Clint Eastwood or Sean Penn. The story is near perfection and the acting is on flying form. Frailty will have you on the edge of your seat from start to finish. It will mess with your mind and turn your world upside down. Seeing Dad slaughter a woman in front of his children will transmit a shrill up your spine every time. You don't know what is going on and your doubts will be many... but maybe your doubts are correct and like Fenton you have been tricked by Dad...

Frailty requires repeat viewing to absorb the material entirety. You MUST listen and watch absolutely everything that is going on. Pay attention especially to the names of people. It is an extremely detailed film with much more going on inside than what the story presents us with (and it presents us with a lot and gets even deeper in the final minutes). If the film has any flaw it is only in not revealing enough about the latest work of the "God's Hands" serial killer but the motives are there and if you watch the film carefully then you will realize that it is near perfect and any holes in the plot are in fact your own confusions. Repeat viewing is a must if you do not get everything. It is all there though.

The bottom line is that Paxton was essentially an 80s actor of mostly horror and sci-fi movies. Here he takes the same 80s horror themes, along with a great story, some fine casting, solid acting and creates a psychological horror of the kind we have not seen in over a decade. If you are a fan of 80s horror, like intelligent psychological horror or feel that the 21st century has delivered on some really dismal horror movies, then Frailty will restore your faith in the system. I am a fan of this genre and I have not seen a good film like this in a long time. I can safely say that DVD ownership is an absolute must have and I will be watching this one for many years to come... and I am sure you will too....

.... God Willing, of course.

Rating:
Summary: an astounding debut from paxton the director
Review: bill paxton proves his artistry in one of the most unique, original and unforgettable films in a very long time.
the film has the odour of backwoods ho de ho religious fanatacism and the ambience reeks of unparalleled horror.
it will stay with you for a long time after.

Rating:
Summary: Disturbing...but I mean that in a good way
Review: This movie, while not exactly scary, did offer some chills down my spine by the simple acts by Bill Paxton's character. I also have to say I commend Bill for his acting in this film, which I thought was pretty good. When we first meet him I loved him for a father, and then when he starts having visions from God that say he must "destroy demons" I began to hate him. Yet...he portrays a guy that truly believes he is seeing God and believes he is doing the right thing - even if the audience believes him to be insane. It is so odd because there are moments in this film where I like him, and then there are moments when I wish he could be locked away. When you think about it, such people do exist out there. How well off and respected was Ted Bundy before people found out he had killed 30+ women?

The ending, for me, half-kills and half-helps the movie. Trying not to give as many spoilers as possible, I have to admit the ending did drag and at times feel befuddled. I kind of expected that to happen in some way, and it almost seemed typical of these types of films. The way it dragged onto the next few scenes made me feel like it should have ended a few minutes ago, although I do admit I liked what I saw. In terms of an ending, it almost seems to want to be the religious version of "The Usual Suspects." Still, the fact that what we are given the real right and wrong instead of what we believed before was a good idea. When I watched the film a second time I totally saw all characters in a different light, knowing what I now knew. That may be amazing to hear as you watch this movie a second time, but believe me its true.

Overall, it was better than I expected. Good acting, and an interesting storyline. The ending will probably drag for some, but I've seen much, much more boring endings, believe me.

Rating:
Summary: Knocks the breath right out of you.
Review: "Frailty," Bill Paxton's directorial debut, is a swift, tightly focused and darkly compelling thriller that leaves us with a lot of fascinating, disturbing questions at the end. Screenwriter Brent Hanley's story begins simply: Dad Meeks (Paxton) is a friendly, uncomplicated blue-collar guy in small-town Texas who adores his two small sons, Fenton (Matt O'Leary) and Adam (Jeremy Sumpter), whom he raises alone after the death of his wife. Everything goes smoothly until one night when Dad tells his sons that he's been visited by an angel of the Lord, who has told him the world is about to end. To further the Lord's mission, Dad must become an avenging angel himself, slaughtering demons in human form with the help of his sons. Fenton and Adam have very different reactions to their father's revelations, and it's absolutely no fair to reveal anything else about the plot, except that it uses the framing device of one of Dad's now-grown sons (Matthew McConaughey) relating the tale of slaughter to an FBI agent (Powers Boothe). The story can best be described as Hitchcockian, with liberal dollops of "The Usual Suspects" and the "Left Behind" novels; intellectual snobs may even detect a whiff of Borges. Paxton gives the film's best scenes a Hitchcockian clarity and breathlessness. The actors are also very, very good, particularly Paxton and young O'Leary, a real find. The DVD extras--including deleted scenes, a making-of-the-movie documentary and an analysis of one of the movie's key scenes that ran originally on the Sundance Channel--are fascinating and testify to the astuteness of Paxton's choices in this movie. Here's hoping his first film isn't his last!

Rating:
Summary: FRAILTY - A Very Surprising/Shocking/Effective "Sleeper"...
Review: This film is a great respite from the usual characature of the insane axe-wielding human (in this case The God's Hand Serial Killer)and takes us through a more spiritual journey.

After being visited by an angel and given three special weapons by God, himself - Bill Paxton and his two sons are drafted in God's Army. Bill has been given a list of "demons" by an angel and instructed to destroy them, with explicit details on how to accomplish the destroying and burying of the corpses. A waitress, a young man, and an elderly gentleman are just a couple of the demons on the list.

One by one, Bill lays his bare hands on the demons/people before chopping them up with an axe named Otis, and he can "SEE" what evil they have done. Or so he says...

This film has lots of surprises, twists and turns, a ton of biblical prophesying along with the psychological/brainwashing aspects of the story. PLUS - Of course a GREAT ENDING!

Bill Paxton directed this sleeper and the two boys that play the younger, Fenton & Adam are great little actors. A nice bit part by Powers Boothe also... The DVD has lots of extras including some great deleted scenes. Highly recommended!

Rating:
Summary: one of the best horror movies
Review: Frailty is one of my personal favorite movies. not only is it an amazing horror movie, but it is a work that definatley makes you think. not many moveis i have seen lately serve a purpiose more then making you feel good. this movie is absoloutley amazing because it is suprising and alarming at the same time. i rented this movie one nite mainly because i love matthew, and some because it sounded a little out there by the discription on the back. I was definatley shocked by the reaction i had. All i can say is see the movie...it is absoloutley amazing, and the ending is worth the it.