Thunder Road (2018)

Director: Jim Cummings
Stars: Jim Cummings, Kendal Farr, Nican Robinson
Runtime: 92 minutes

Synopsis: A police officer faces a personal meltdown following a divorce and the death of his mother.

Performances: 9/10
Screenplay: 8/10
Costumes/Makeup: 7/10
Editing: 8/10
Cinematography: 8/10
Score/Soundtrack: 6/10

Verdict: Made with a budget of less than $200,000, "Thunder Road" is proof that good movies can be made with limited resources.

The film follows a police officer's meltdown that is the result of the passing of his mother, a divorce, and a tough relationship with his daughter.

The star of the film is without a doubt Jim Cummings who serves as the director, writer, lead actor, editor, and composer of this little gem. All of which he assumes in a very efficient way. However, I was most impressed by his acting and writing skills as he managed to do what very few are able to do nowadays: make an efficient comedy out of a deeply depressing story.

Yes, "Thunder Road" works as both a comedy and a drama in a very natural way. The jokes never feel forced because they're part of the protagonist's personality, which is also heartbreaking to see since that's also his way of coping with everything going on in his life. Jim Cummings translates that to our screens in an incredibly subtle way that will almost make us viewers feel bad for laughing at certain points.

The movie is also surprisingly very well shot despite its limited budget. A bunch of long takes and very appropriate camera movement contributed to making the film one that never feels cheap at all.

Jim Cummings truly made something special with "Thunder Road". It's funny, depressing, and centered around a very likable character magnificently portrayed by Cummings. And I cannot recommend it enough.       

FINAL GRADE: 8/10