The Badge Reviews

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[Highly rated reviewer]

Average Thriller,

This is a pretty well-acted movie about a murder, and the investigation into that murder. However, as far as thrills and suspense goes, this film fell below my expectations.

Small town sheriff (Billy Bob Thornton) is called to investigate the murder of a transsexual. A good part of the movie seems to be about him putting his prejudices aside, so the film appeared more dramatic than thrilling. Patricia Arquette and William Devane also star. Devane gives a compelling performance as a Southern political power broker, and Arquette is just as feminine and callipygian as usual. Thomas Hayden Church (Sideways) also gives a supporting role as the gay brother.

There were some noticeable gaps and glitches during some action scenes in this movie, which was a bit distracting. The drunk father scenes also seemed to not have much meaning.By and large, a passable, somewhat entertaining, if not enthralling movie to watch. This movie could have been a bit more 'deep' and atmospheric, but it failed to give a strong sense of place. Without that, and without driving suspense, you basically have a drama, with the main character (Thornton) getting in and out of his car the whole movie.

[Highly rated reviewer]

the badge

Oh dear, this film was dire, I just left it on in the background. Billy bob just chews gum, acting cool, its a real hillbilly deep south, small town film. Gets going in the last 20 mins, but that just makes it only a little bit more watchable. I got this one from the video shop, did i waste my money!!!

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[Highly rated reviewer]

Average Thriller,

This is a pretty well-acted movie about a murder, and the investigation into that murder. However, as far as thrills and suspense goes, this film fell below my expectations.

Small town sheriff (Billy Bob Thornton) is called to investigate the murder of a transsexual. A good part of the movie seems to be about him putting his prejudices aside, so the film appeared more dramatic than thrilling. Patricia Arquette and William Devane also star. Devane gives a compelling performance as a Southern political power broker, and Arquette is just as feminine and callipygian as usual. Thomas Hayden Church (Sideways) also gives a supporting role as the gay brother.

There were some noticeable gaps and glitches during some action scenes in this movie, which was a bit distracting. The drunk father scenes also seemed to not have much meaning.By and large, a passable, somewhat entertaining, if not enthralling movie to watch. This movie could have been a bit more 'deep' and atmospheric, but it failed to give a strong sense of place. Without that, and without driving suspense, you basically have a drama, with the main character (Thornton) getting in and out of his car the whole movie.