IslandGuru Who payed the critics

Robert Joyner The plot isn't so bad, but the pace of storytelling is too slow which makes people bored. Certain moments are so obvious and unnecessary for the main plot. I would've fast-forwarded those moments if it was an online streaming. The ending looks like implying a sequel, not sure if this movie will get one

Kamila Bell This is a coming of age storyline that you've seen in one form or another for decades. It takes a truly unique voice to make yet another one worth watching.

Ginger Very good movie overall, highly recommended. Most of the negative reviews don't have any merit and are all pollitically based. Give this movie a chance at least, and it might give you a different perspective.

lathe-of-heaven Basically, without going into a lot of detail covered by many here already, you get a pretty good idea just from the review summaries for this film that many found it really well done, moody, and a great concept, BUT... unfortunately I felt that it was ultimately watered down by the ending chosen by the film makers (or possibly yet ANOTHER stupid studio interference...)So, without entering any Spoiler territory, if you can excuse or overlook the completely OBVIOUS and somewhat ham-handed ending, and just sit back and enjoy the rest of the film, it actually is quite good and intriguing, and you probably will like it for the most part. And, Guy Pearce's acting is superb... But... I REALLY would have given my left nut (the smaller of the two) if they had just left the ending far more ambiguous and moody, just like the rest of this excellent film. I basically gave it about 2 stars less than I would have normally for a film of this overall quality; specifically because of the poor way in which I feel that they handled the ending...(I undress further, oh, excuse me... I mean, ADDRESS this further in a much more detailed SPOILER laden thread here in the discussion section for this film below...)

OJT A traveling flooring-salesman, Jimmy Starks, which rather would sell nostalgia in a Wurlitzer jukebox, is stranded in a godforsaken place in this film by director Mark Fergus. First time director fop this writer. Well, when he waits for his car do be fixed, he goes to a fortune teller, just to kill time. The fortune teller gets a shock when he discovers something in his future. Starks wants to know more, but is forced to leave. Soon he understands the fortune teller wasn't a con man. A trip to the doctor tells that his hart has a problem.That's the start of this interesting film, which right off starts to creep under your skin. But the film doesn't all the way hold up the great tension and excitement is promises at the beginning. Fine acting by Guy Pearce (playing Starks), J.K. Simmons (the fortune teller), Piper Persbo (Deirdre) and William Fichtner (Ed Jacomoi) helps bringing this forward. A great cast, well directed. Pearce once again plays a fine role, and here maybe one of his best ever.The title is not telling very much in beforehand, except that it puts the film into a genre of these cold, bleak mysteries. But it has some significance, of course. The film has certain similarities with "The machinist" which has a similar ways of paranoia, and it also has a tad of a Hitchcocky feel. The bleak colors are also a similarity here, as is the the great acting.The film is slow and poetic, which the late autumn and early winter adds to, but the film still holds both some lingering excitement and the fear of the unexpected around next corner. Though at the same take the film makes you think of this an everyday story. As such a quality film, and still holding in to a deeper meaning for those who inhale it. For others it will be too slow, artful and even boring. A good film, though it didn't really touch into my heart, like I though from the opening.

jotix100 Jimmy Starks, a flooring salesman, stops at a desolate roadside garage because of car trouble. Since his car will not be fixed for a while, he decides to get a reading with Vacaro, the fortune teller that works out of his van in the parking area. During the session, the seer, an older man, experiences a shock, which Jimmy interprets as a bad omen. He presses Vacaro to tell him more. The reply is that he will be fine until the first snow. When Jimmy presses for more, Vacaro gives back the money, having nothing else to tell him.Shaken by the experience, Jimmy goes home to try to make sense about the predictions. This man gives the impression he can be ruthless when it comes to work. We witness as he fires a young man, Enrique, a decision he will later regret. Visiting his doctor he is told of a faulty heart valve, that, while not life threatening, it is something not to be taken lightly. A few things keep getting in his way so he decides to go back to Vacaro.Jimmy is obviously under a strain that is exacerbated by the knowledge that his childhood friend Vincent went to jail for three years. Vincent's going to prison because Jimmy gave him away so he could save himself. Everything comes to a head when he finds out Jimmy is on parole. The guilt he has been carrying in his heart and the feeling of doom based on Vacaro's predictions, are enough for him to think his end is probably near.The film marks the debut of Mark Fergus as director. Mr. Fergus co-wrote the screenplay with Hawk Ostby. The film is a strange combination of a thriller with dramatic overtones. The idea that Jimmy's life will end soon, and the reality of the prediction of the fortune teller makes an engrossing drama. The atmosphere has been perfectly achieved in the Eric Allan Edwards' cinematography."First Snow" owes a great deal to Guy Pearson, a charismatic actor that exudes intelligence and doubt in equal measurements. Mr. Pearce has an angular face with a structure the camera loves. Some of his choices have not paid well, but one can only hope he gets involved in projects such as this because he shines as the troubled man at the center of the story. J. K. Simmons, an excellent character actor is on hand to give one of his satisfying performances. On the other hand, Piper Perabo and William Fichtner don not have much to do in the movie. Or Shea Whitman who plays Vincent, a pivotal figure in the story is only seen briefly in a role not well developed in our humble opinion.

merklekranz "First Snow" has an intriguing beginning. A traveling salesman has his fortune told by an old man, who's predictions turn out to be amazingly correct. From this point on the movie plays out like a bloated "Twilight Zone" episode. I mean nothing but car trips, phone calls and paranoia. William Fichtner gives his usual interesting performance, but Guy Pierce is anything but a sympathetic character, disregarding other people's well being for the sake of his own paranoia. The ending is especially weak, with absolutely no payoff for the long suffering audience. Do yourself a big favor and avoid this one. Not recommended. - MERK