Uncle John (Review)

uncle johnIn a small town local ‘identity’ (read: drunk creep) Dutch has been odder than usual, confronting those his actions have offended and apologising. Then, Dutch vanished.

John (John Ashton) hears the gossip in his daily coffee n cake chats with his buddies. He learns from the local police that Dutch’s brother Danny counts John among the suspects. He learns from Danny himself… Well Danny doesn’t say anything direct, but his vibe is nothing if not menacing.

And all the while uncle John goes quietly about his business being a solid citizen and running his small farm.

Meanwhile in a city far far away, Ben is finding his way in a new career, and tentatively forging a relationship with his spunky colleague Kate.

For a long while Uncle John tells two entirely different stories which seem to have little in common and has them meet cute just as we wonder whether the family linkage suggested in the title will ever prove relevant.

But while the Ben and Kate interactions are sweet and well realised, it ain’t their names on the poster. Uncle John is a low key but generally powerful small town tale akin to Shotgun Stories and Undertow. The kind of thing that happens daily across America but for the most part goes unreported. Unlike those films the burgeoning romance subplot keeps us on our toes, as we wonder how Ben and Kate will be eventually integrated, and how Danny and Uncle John’s issues will manifest themselves.

And we know they will. The opening scene alone guarantees us that. Like John himself, Uncle John is quiet and unassuming but there’s a lot going on behind the dull eyes.

Final Rating – 7.5 / 10. Low key and often sweet, but with a sharp aftertaste that lingers.

About OGR

While I try to throw a joke or two into proceedings when I can all of the opinions presented in my reviews are genuine. I don't expect that all will agree with my thoughts at all times nor would it be any fun if you did, so don't be shy in telling me where you think I went wrong... and hopefully if you think I got it right for once. Don't be shy, half the fun is in the conversation after the movie.
This entry was posted in Film, Movie Reviews, Worthwhile Movies. Bookmark the permalink.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published.