The Land (2016)

Don't listen to the Hype. It's awful

I really wanted to like this movie. I feel terribly cynical trashing it, and that's why I'm giving it a middling 5. Actually, I'm giving it a 5 because there were some superb performances.

The first must-see film of the year.

This is one of the best movies I’ve seen in a very long time. You have to go and see this on the big screen.

Believable drama, and quite atmospheric Though thought Michael Kenneth Williams who is such a great character actor was totally under used in his role as one of the teenagers father.

I imagine a lot of people will say that this movie is soaked in style and missing some substance but I think that is easily said when a film is as stylish as The Land.. I would say The Land was a cross between Dope and The Basketball Diaries, which is a huge compliment. Great acting, believable script, incredible cinematography and one of the best, most fitting soundtracks I've heard in a very long time. If you enjoyed Dope, Whiteboys, The Basketball Diaries, Kids or any other movie in this category, be sure to check out The Land.The film is basically a rise and fall tale of 4 teenagers who want to become professional skateboarders. They do some fairly questionable things to get by, until one day, they hit the jackpot. After a fairly upbeat second act, things start to get a little serious for these kids. It's a story we're all used to by now but rarely is it done with such class. Good work by everyone involved.

Never wanted the movie to end, it was a very good movie, the ending of it wasn't too good because of what happens to Junior but it did add that thrilling feeling when Cisco gets his revenge. The violence is basically a reality of some of the stuff that happens in places like Cleveland, Compton and more. I wish that there was more of a happy ending for example at least one of them succeed in becoming a professional skate boarder.I really loved how they showed the realism with all the gangs around the neighbour hood it was very unexpected but still very good. Also I think all of the actors played the characters perfect.Overall the movie was exceptional and I would love for there to be a number 2

There isn't a lot of fun to be had in 'The Land'. It's a very bleak film with quite a depressing view on life. There's one character intended to be the comic relief, but even he comes across quite miserable in most scenes. It's a film that takes itself very seriously. At times this is its biggest strength, and at other times it's its biggest weakness. 'The Land' doesn't have a single likable character. The bad guys are bad and the good guys are bad (just slightly less so). We're meant to root for the four main kids, but you'd have to have some very bizarre morals to want to do that. This is the film's biggest downfall. It's fine if a film is grim because of its story, but when it's dreary purely because of its characters, that's a flaw. It's a little slow getting going, but things do pick up as it goes along. The acting is actually quite impressive from most of the cast. Linda Emond, with limited screen time, really impressed me. She was the most captivating of all the cast and never made the mistake of overacting. Altogether though, there's not a whole lot to see here. I'd call it watchable, without having enough substance to make it anything more than that.