Review: 'Lawless' is Early Oscar Contender

The summer is wrapping up and we already have a film that has Oscar implications. 

Tom Hardy plays legendary bootlegger Forrest Bondurant and Guy Pierce is hot on his trail in a film full of violence, and great acting in "Lawless."

There is never a dull moment in this film that is narrated by Shia LaBeof, who plays Forrest's younger brother. Pierce plays a psychotic federal agent hell-bent on stopping the brothers. Jessica Chastain plays a former dancer and Hardy's love interest who then becomes his partner-in-crime in this film about moonshine bootlegging and its life-changing consequences. 

This film is violent, intense, and even funny at times. The romantic element between Hardy and Chastain adds an extra quality to make the entire cinematic experience memorable.

The movie version is a bit different from the real-life history of the actual Bondurant brothers, but as you will see, it's worth it.

It may not get the Oscar notoriety in the best movie category but individual performances from Hardy, Pierce, and Chastain should get some recognition from the academy come awards time.

So the flick-o-meter gives "Lawless" a four out of five. The violence in the film will keep you on the edge of your seat, even though some of it is a bit cringe-worthy. In the end it's not a perfect film but it certainly is worth watching (I'm sure the academy will also take note).

Showtimes: "Lawless" is playing at the Laguna Century 16 Theater (9349 Big Horn Blvd.) at 5:05 p.m., 7:55 p.m. and 10:40 p.m. Friday.

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Film critic Brett Martin gives his take on a new release. See all Brett's reviews at www.flickedup.com. Follow Brett Martin in Facebook at TheBrettSide.

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