Here is a review of a special screening of Ed Burns' third feature, NO LOOKING BACK. Of course this is just one person's views on the film, so do realize this is in no way a definative word on the film. Personally I tend to like Ed Burns movies, so I'll be going no matter what my latest screener reporter (the Masked Mauler) says. Take a gander...

First let me preface this by saying I usually find it difficult to admit that a movie I just paid $8.75 for (I live in NYC)was not all I hoped. However, this brings me to the beauty of screenings which I feel allow you to be truly honest about the film you have just seen for free. If you liked it - great, if you didn't, oh well, at least it didn't cost you anything. That being said, I went to an IFP screening last night of the new Ed Burns' film, "No Looking Back." The story is about a bleak Long Island town (Long Beach, I think) where Claudia (Lauren Holly) lives with her boyfriend Michael (Jon Bon Jovi). She is a waitress at a diner and you never really find out what he does, though he is blue collar. The town is obviously a summer place that is deserted the other 9 months of the year. After a three year absence, her old boyfriend Charlie(Ed Burns) blows back into town. And here, as in all his movies, is where the female character is reduced to some misogonistic cliche. Besides the fact that Charlie has no redeeming qualities whatsoever, we are supposed to believe that Claudia still pines for him even though her current beau treats her like gold and asks her to marry him everyday. Did I miss something? Not only do you not care about any of the characters, it seems they have about as much depth as a conversation between supermodels. The directing is blase and is it possible the sun could shine once in the entire film?! It is clear Ed is trying to break out of his Irish brothers template that he's used in his last two features. However, he has not suceeded. The only redeeming quality in the film is the understated performance by Bon Jovi, who is surprisingly good. And Connie Britton does a nice turn as Claudia's bitter older sister.

That having been said, be forwarned. You are facing an hour and forty minutes of boredom and a waste of your movie ticket dollars if you see this film. Save your money and go buy a beer. You'll enjoy that more, I guarantee it. thanks for letting me vent. Feel free to post this review if you so desire.