Man from Reno (2014)

"Man from Reno" is one of those movies that makes you ask "why is this good?" while watching, considering that if you look over the story somewhere halfway it seems that nothing's stands out compared to a standard TV crime series. I'm saying that because I actually couldn't watch it all at once and I had enough time in-between to think about going on with the final part. And the decision was: yes, do it ...

So, what's worth seeing here? First of all, the movie is impeccable in the making as a whole. If we split it piece by piece - directing, acting, camera, editing, sound, I can't say any of those is exceptional, but all complete each other so well that the result keeps your eyes on the screen. What about the story?... Well, the start is pretty convoluted. A sheriff in a small county near San Francisco hits an Asian guy on a foggy night ... or better said the guy stumbling on his feet hits the sheriff's car. Long story short - "the victim" ends up in a hospital from where he runs away as soon as he's able leaving lots of unanswered questions. Meanwhile, a successful Japanese crime novel author checks in to a hotel in San Francisco where she gets approached by a charming guy ... who disappears after a one night stand. And somehow the search of the two missing persons intersects ...

There are many movies passing through your mind when you watch "Man from Reno". From "No Country for Old Men" (that I'm not really fond of) to "Talented Mr. Ripley" (that I'm not really fond of either). I've seen here what's missing there. Still I can't get over a turning point towards the end where (spoiler) things move from what seems a comforting calm solution to a very dark outcome ... But maybe it's just my taste, or too much daily stress that wants only happy-endings :) ...

Rating: 4 out of 5