I would like to propose an excellent neo-noir film for Sunday night that was not commercially successful in its time and has probably been forgotten. "At Close Range" features an explosive on-screen partnership between Sean Penn and Christopher Walken, portraying a story based on the true events of a notorious crime family.
The film follows teenager Brad and his brother (played by Penn's real-life brother Chris Penn) as they reconnect with their abusive father after years. Brad thinks he has an exciting life as a criminal ahead of him, but soon realizes that things are not at all what he expected.
James Foley directs the film, delivering a complete and completely believable picture of another, not-so-glamorous America. The movie is hard and violent, with the two leads in top form giving it their all, especially Walken. The supporting cast is also strong, featuring Mary Stuart Masterson, Millie Perkins, Eileen Ryan, Crispin Glover, and Kiefer Sutherland & David Strathairn in smaller roles.
Although the film received extra publicity due to the then-marriage of Sean Penn & Madonna (who, making a brave change of style, also performs the film's theme music), it had a disappointing commercial run. However, it did receive generally positive reviews from critics, and in my opinion, it is one of the best films of the second half of the 80s.
Overall, "At Close Range" is a must-see film that offers a gripping portrayal of the dark side of American life. I highly recommend it to anyone who loves a great neo-noir.
Just hit me with your recommendations for a Sunday night movie !
