experienced and rugged actors who know how to do what the directors asks and when to do it. Production values were also great, so you will have a feeling that you're watching some big block buster.Nick is a car thief who just got out of prison, determined to change his life, for his and his families sake. His wife is pregnant, and this is the time to man up and take some responsibility. He goes to a local diner, not knowing what will happen in just a few minutes. A band of criminals led by the ruthless and charismatic Derrick, storm the diner while Nick was in the bathroom. Soon they round up all the guests, all but one who's hiding in the bathroom. At the same time Will, a policeman stops his car in front of the diner and lights up a smoke. Then all hell breaks loose...Used to Michael Chiklis as Detective Vic Mackey, it was a bit strange to hear him talk with an English accent, but as the wise hooker once said it is cute. The rest of the characters were well developed and with excellent and believable motives for their actions. There was nothing that was sacrificed to drive the story forward, and this is a very rare thing, although the very end was just a tiny bit rushed or it seemed that way because of all the excitement that happened earlier. Just at the time when you think that you know what's going on, and who is who another twists punches you in the gut. This freight train stops for no one.Movie recommendations Rabbit-Reviews.com - Only movies worth watching

confines of a small typical American diner. That feeling of isolation and claustrophobia is brilliant and just sucks you in. The film itself is anything but typical. It has mystery and intrigue and constant twists and turns. It was a heist film at its heart but the characters and the actors that played them were simply spot on. Every time you think you have something figured out, another turn will send you reeling. For being a low budget film which I assume it was it never feels like it. Granted I don't think this would have ever been successful in theatres but it is the type of entertainment that anyone can grasp onto. The ambiance of the film is near perfect. It is reminiscent of films like Phone Booth or Heat and easily walks amongst them.Michael Chiklis plays the perfect villain. He is the leader of the team holding up this small diner. I'm not sure about Chiklis' accent in the film. I don't see why it was necessary and I'm not sure it was a great accent but it honestly doesn't matter because his character is brilliant. He is just powerful in the role. I don't dislike Ray Liotta but he really gets typecast and is ALWAYS playing the same tired old role. Liotta almost seems bored in this role and he is more distracting in a cast of really strong young actors and familiar faces. Sean Faris is he the son of Christian Bale and Tom Cruise cuz man he looks like them both combined is great as Nick. A small-time ex-con who is caught in the wrong place at the wrong time and is truly the "pawn" of the film. I expect that he will go on to bigger things because he has good charisma on screen and carries his scenes effortlessly. You absolutely root for him! Jessica Szohr liked her on Gossip Girl but not a big acting stretch really impressed me as Bonnie, the diner waitress being terrorized. She gets to show a lot of emotion in her role but it feels very real and she pulls it off. The film has a huge supporting cast and some of them are really great in their roles. Often I found myself wishing I could see more of a certain character. Some of the performances to really admire were Stephen Lang, Common, Ronald Guttman doesn't say much but his performance is actually subtle and well done , Nikki Reed as the devoted wife of Faris' character, Jon Lee Brody, and Forest Whitaker in a very small role but still well done. I am certain I am overlooking some other actors that did a great job but I can't cover everyone. Basically everyone in the film, with the exception of same old Liotta, were near outstanding.I am even more shocked that director David Armstrong is a first time director. I mean he has worked cinematography on a lot of films but his style and technique as a director is superb. You might think I'm really gushing over a low budget film but this is the type of movie I love. When you have low expectations and then you're completely entertained and riveted for the entire film. The story is really excellent. Its all about dirty cops, cover ups, mobsters, and all in the package of a diner heist gone wrong. Emotions run very high throughout the film and sometimes you can see things coming in a movie like this but every guess I had was wrong and that made the film intriguing and insanely fun. Now the one thing that completely and utterly complexes me about this film is in the first ten or fifteen minutes the diner manager has this vision of throwing coffee in Chiklis' face and the subsequent aftermath but it made no sense and never played a part in the film. It was a bizarre little scene that stands out and doesn't fit. Certainly does nothing to ruin an otherwise fabulous thriller, its just something worth noting. I also felt like the ending was maybe just a little bit cut and dry but it doesn't disappoint. Don't be afraid to check this one out because it was truly a gem and they are hard to find nowadays. Riveting, brilliant, well done all around...check it out!! 9/10

closing credits. The best part of this film is the fact that just when you think you're getting to grips with what's happening, you're hit with another twist. The cast is strong with quite a few recognizable faces putting in good performances to contribute to a solid and well constructed script. The majority of the movie takes place inside the diner but there is enough going on within those walls to mask this fact. Overall, I enjoyed this film. I went in knowing very little and came out very impressed. I was entertained from start to finish which is all you can really ask for. Pawn will not win any awards, but if a good entertaining thriller is your thing then you will not be disappointed 3.5/5

like this. The plot is a short term one but the film makes it work by analyzing every single detail, so I dare you to find a plot hole. With an over average script that contains a scene of really smart symbolism, the actors can not really mess it up. Action wise the film does not shy away, probably due to the fact of the directors background in being a cinematographer for the Saw films. For a crime/robbery flick it isn't as brainless as you could have been led to believe and it really captures the scene in a full scale. Overall, the film is an acceptable straight to video release that contains sudden twists, fresh plot, and great character development

sort of thing.