11:59 (2005)

Good concept, poorly executed.

What a freaking movie. So many twists and turns. Absolutely intense from start to finish.

Strong acting helps the film overcome an uncertain premise and create characters that hold our attention absolutely.

Close shines in drama with strong language, adult themes.

The editing and pacing of this movie was too slow. Frames held too long on close ups for no reason. Frames on empty scenery for no reason. It sort of drove me nuts and bored me.The time travel isn't explained at all. I can tolerate The Hand of God, but why in this instance? I mean if the main character sacrifices his life for the kid's, then I would have bought it more. But it was basically a happy ending that was wrapped up too easily.The acting, by the main actor was also too one note for me. When a guy picks him up at out in nowhere, he doesn't even introduce himself or even thank him when he's dropped off. So, weird. I don't know to either fault the actor or the writer/director for that. But everything about the main character was off putting, sort of a tired depressed anti-social dude. I was glad that his ex- girlfriend wasn't with him anymore. Not sure why she seems to still want to get back with him.The key to conspiracy movies is that it's modern noir. Trust no one and paranoia. This movie fails in that the protagonist, with one act, collapses the whole conspiracy. Well, if the evil conspirators are that good, deniability is your number one weapon. To tell him that, "Oh, you got me. You're fired," seems a bit silly. Having the child finger the serial killer and having the killer turn himself in is a bit pat. I would have preferred that the authorities arrest the main character for the abduction of the child that he saved. That would have been the most logical assumption. It should have just spun out of control and totally crucified the main character, but for him, it should have been worth it to save the child and to save the first suspect.On the DVD, I do recommend the short 8 minute film on the Special Features: Spin.

11:59 is as indie as independent films get and from the very beginning you could tell, this was not a film that had any kind of budget. The film is yet another take on Groundhog Day, as a man wakes up in a field, missing 24 hours. He goes about his day trying to figure out what happened, when miraculously he winds up back in the missing day and continues to re-live it. Being that this film had no budget, it was up to the cast to make it believable and worthwhile, unfortunately they fail miserably at it. I get that they were all newcomers, looking for their big break, but the performances here are beyond awful. The lead is played by Raymond Bailey, who has no personality. He actually had long scenes where he wonders around aimlessly, without saying a word, and just doesn't know what to do with himself. The rest of the cast was also terrible, ranging from boring to completely over the top. I've seen a lot of a bad movies and most didn't have the story to work with, that 11:59 did. I can honestly say never have I seen a cast of people who were less qualified to be on the screen. The low budget meant no special effects and no big named actors, but in order to make the film work, they had to give us something, but didn't! When I wasn't in shock over how bad the acting was, I was bored out of my mind, this movie was nothing but a huge waste of time!

It isn't until you find yourself re-counting the plot of "11:59" to someone, that the significance of director Jamin Winan's ambitious feature film debut begins to dawn on you. The subject matter is heady and involved, touching on a myriad of issues, from the role the media plays in our lives to the importance of following ones instincts. Ultimately however, Winan's aspirations are grander than his achievements in "11:59," yet we do get a glimpse of the potential to come from this film school dropout.As with all Double Edge Film productions (Winan's and producing partner Joe Sekiya's Denver based film company) "11:59" is concerned with perception and purpose and the themes the duo have explored in their preceding short films, re-emerge here in broader more refined strokes.The picture opens with a burst of nervous energy as a breaking news story unfolds. The camera hand held, the edits quick, the music lively. Winans is eager to draw us in but doesn't quite achieve sure footing until after the initial 15 minutes when the action settles down. The films strongest visual styles recall moments from two other indie darlings - "Trainspotting" and "Requiem for a Dream", of which the latter is the most blatant. Director of Photography Jeff Pointer frames the sequences well and Winans, not only writer and director, does triple duty as editor, saving the films mediocre performances with smart cuts that keep the pacing steady and engaging. Raymond Andrew Bailey gives a committed performance in the role of Aaron Doherty, the Jimmy Stewart of the piece, who experiences a flash forward revelation which allows him to ultimately touch ground and reconnect with something more significant than his career ambitions have. Bailey is likable and very watchable in the role, however he brings nothing particularly unique to his character, other than communicating mild frustration in relation to the existential mire in which he finds himself entwined. The juiciest role of the enterprise falls in the hands of Liz Cunningham, an alum of Double Edge, who previously was lensed by Winans and company in the short film "The Maze". Here Cunningham gets to play an edgy high profile news producer who seems hell bent on her station becoming "Colorado's News Leader" but in fact has some dirty laundry. It is Cunningham who gets the best dialogue,although at times she comes across as caricature. In every scene she appears, she plays the same level of intensity. A more nuanced performance would have made a world of difference. Laura Fuller as Lisa Winders, reporter and sidekick to cameraman Aaron, comes across as mousy at times but does have effective moments. As with director Winans, these actors seem poised for future success.The films imagery does linger in the mind. Perhaps the most standout imagery and finest moment comes near films end. Aaron is pushing himself to the limit in a race against the clock so as to alter a foreshadowed outcome. The scene serves as a fitting metaphor to this indie accomplishment,nearly five years in the making, which like our hero in "11:59" is sure to propel Jamin Winans into a fuller realization of an already purposeful career.

I saw 11:59 last night in Kansas City/Overland park! I thought that for the first feature film for Jamin, and the first lead role for Raymond Bailey, I thought they did an excellent job! They kept you in suspense and made you cry at the end! I would buy a thousand copies right now!!! I know that everyone that watched it with me would agree when I say that everyone involved with the movie are very talented! Being from Colorado myself, I think they did a great job portraying the state for how beautiful it is, but also how mysterious it can be too! I'm very proud of everyone involved, ESPECIALLY RAY!!! I think Ray is the next best thing coming to Hollywood!! Watch out Brad Pitt! Finger thing!