Z/Web

Strange film about a biker who sells his soul to the Devil and becomes the Devil’s Bounty Hunter, whatever that means. It’s visually different — at night the rider has a flaming skull — but the whole thing’s rather meaningless, with an incomprehensible and feeble “legend” supposedly explaining everything. There are some fun moments with the casting and the performances are decent enough, but the story is so flimsy as to be see-through, and we aren’t sure if the rider’s a good guy or not, since he gets his powers from the Devil and apparently must do his bidding. Though the ending kind of explains that and sets up sequels, it’s a bit too late. Overall it’s mildly entertaining but it only wants to be innovative (or thinks it is).

Wonderful, wonderful, wonderful! Did I mention this is a wonderful film? It’s just beautifully simple and elegant. The lives of children are flawlessly portrayed, capturing that awkward time between childhood and adulthood. I knew nothing about this going in, but thought it was about a fantasy world like Narnia or something, and I didn’t expect it to be as good. It turns out the bulk of the story’s set in the real world, with the main characters two picked on kids who become best friends and use an imaginary place in the woods as their escape. It reminded me of a lighter version of Pan’s Labyrinth, without that movie’s grim undertone, though Bridge also has serious underpining’s. My absolutely favorite thing was the terrific ending, which, though somber, completely changes the meaning of the title. I love it when stories do that. Two thumbs up, a Must See. High recommended.