646f9e108c In 1972, the conflict in Vietnam continues. The creeping threat of communism grips the nation in fear. In an abandoned prison on the US/Mexican border, KGB mole Nikolai Dzerzhinsky waits for his contact from the Washington Post. He holds explosive evidence against the CIA, information he will trade for asylum in the United States. Special Agent Robert Harper's orders are clear: take the documents from Dzerzhinsky and kill him. INGREDIENTS<br/><br/>One (1) of the Russians from 15 Minutes (but temper him till we can empathize–in this case with a standout performance by Ross Marquand that in many aspects leaves in the dust the rest of the community theater cast who get any real screen time, aside from a couple big-name-recognition cameos that do leave you wanting more).<br/><br/>One (1) Bob Woodward-like character from All the President's Men. <br/><br/>One (1) '70's parody detective character from Tom Jane's Stander. <br/><br/>One (1) Ed Harris-like, Fedora-wearing Parcher-based character from A Beautiful Mind.<br/><br/>One (1) Serpico look-alike good-guy-turned-bad-guy. Pinch (to taste) of generic, disposable "red-shirt" henchmen (or is it now "hench-people" or perhaps "hench-persons"?) extras.<br/><br/>DIRECTIONS<br/><br/>On a mise-en-scène stovetop with lighting inspired by the look and feel of Peckinpah's Wild Bunch, stir in the plot of the SciFi film Enemy Mine over very low heat, bind one character to a chair a la Reservoir Dogs (but "torture light," please rest assured that no ears, or 'nads–"I get my kicks above the waistline, Sunshine!"–were harmed in the making of this movie). Add a touch of virtually any and all Die Hard films, then barely simmer for 94 minutes, and <br/><br/>What you'll be rewarded with here is a technically proficient, impressively-executed-for-an-incredibly-low-budget, film that's touring the festival circuit in 2010-11. A Lonely Place for Dying definitely clears the bar technically (and kudos on achieving that look for only $200k), but just sneaks under the fence creatively, albeit with a few memorable lines and set pieces. Aside from achieving some very nice visual effects, enviable ambiance, and the accompaniment of a very professional and dense musical score (that unfortunately sometimes seems to cover up "important" dialog) at really rock-bottom prices, there's not a lot to see here that you haven't already seen, BUT with the right backing and a real budget, Robert Rodriguez-style director Justin Eugene Evans clearly demonstrates that he has his technical chops well in order, and he just might pull off a darned good film in the near term if he stays focused and motivated…and uses fresher, home-grown ingredients! There is something to be said for a movie that grabs your attention from the word "go" and engages you for almost every moment you are involved. When said movie is of the independent ilk, accolades must be given. "A Lonely Place for Dying" is really a prime example of what independents can (and should) be.<br/><br/>Writer/Director Justin Evans is fine-tuning his sharp signature style by involving the viewer on every level imaginable. I can't help but shower this film with praise. It leaves me anticipating what Evans will do next !<br/><br/>One of the shining gems in this venue is Ross Marquand, who plays a soviet turncoat named Nikolai Dzerzhinsky. The year is 1972 and Nikolai has become disillusioned with the KGB He tries to get out by trading secrets, only to discover that what he's falling into may be a worse alternative !!! He eventually holes up in an abandoned Mexican prison, facing' down an assortment of "colorful" characters that could be either friend or foe.<br/><br/>Tension builds as Nikolai figures out who wants him out alive, and who wants the prison to be his tomb. Marquand is very effective as a person who can be somebody's strong ally one instant, then torture them the next with an almost childlike glee.<br/><br/>Ross Marquand gives a performance we (usually) only see from the most seasoned of actors, taking this movie to another level And completely transcending the independent genre in the process !<br/><br/>Also on board here are: Michael Scovotti (who emulates a 1970′s agent so well that it's uncanny) and the always enjoyable James Cromwell Not to mention "The Crow's" Michael Wincott !<br/><br/>"A Lonely Place for Dying" does not ever look, sound or feel like an independent film. The writing is superb, the scenery stunning and the lighting amazingly atmospheric. Sure, it's gritty when it needs to be, and often feels claustrophobic only to highlight moments of liberation. Evans provides a taut, suspense-laden roller coaster, and I'd be hard-pressed to say I have seen a better indie this year. <br/><br/>Definitely right on target, "A Lonely Place for Dying" is a direct hit.
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