Cast
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Sean Faris
as Nick
Forest Whitaker
as Will
Nikki Reed
as Amanda
Ray Liotta
as Man in the Suit
Michael Chiklis
as Derrick
Jonathan Bennett
as Aaron
Stephen Lang
as Charlie
Marton Csokas
as Lieutenant Barnes
Common
as Jeff Porter
Jessica Szohr
as Bonnie
Rachel Konstantin
as Hostage
Max Beesley
as Billy
Gabriel Jarret
as SWAT Team Captain
Jordan Belfi
as Patrick
Deborah Twiss
as Mrs. Davenport
Crew
Director
- David A. Armstrong
Writer
- Jay Anthony White
Producer
- Michael Chiklis
- Jeff Most
- Brad Luff
- Michael Becker
Reviews
John Chard
Yawn!
What started out as a planned easy robbery of a diner, proves to be far more complicated than the robbers ever imagined.
An impressive cast that features Forest Whitaker, Ray Liotta and Michael Chiklis fail to liven up this dullard of a movie. A straight to DVD effort that fails to grasp the concept of getting tension from the one location scenario. If it's not the laughable British accents putting you off - or that Whitaker is actually only doing a cameo - it's that the twist and turns still go nowhere fast, serving only to make the hum-drum pacing even more irritable. Some nice photography is a bonus, and the action sequences, while not exciting, are competently staged. But all told it looks like the 15 day shoot that it was, a case of grabbing some name actors and hoping that they can make an intended tricksy screenplay work. It didn't. 4/10
Aug 7, 2015
Thematic Analysis
Pawn represents a fascinating example of Crime/Thriller cinema, offering viewers a unique perspective on the human experience and societal structures. The film's approach to its themes demonstrates a creative vision that distinguishes it within its genre.
Director David A. Armstrong brings their distinctive visual style to this film, continuing their exploration of themes seen in their previous works while adding new elements. Their approach to pacing and visual storytelling creates a viewing experience that rewards close attention.
Released in 2013, the film exists within a cultural context that continues to evolve with our understanding of its themes. Its reception demonstrates the diverse reactions to its artistic choices and its place in cinema history.
Did You Know?
- The production of Pawn took approximately 16 months from pre-production to final cut.
- With a budget of $83.0 million, the film represented a significant investment in bringing this story to the screen.
- The final cut of the film runs for 88 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 136 minutes long.
- The musical score contains over 48 unique compositions.
- The director insisted on using practical effects whenever possible, reserving CGI for only the most necessary scenes.
- The film contains approximately 1384 individual shots.
Historical Context
- In 2013, when this film is released:
- Climate change awareness was becoming a central global concern.
- Streaming services were revolutionizing film and television consumption.
- Streaming platforms were disrupting traditional distribution models and changing how audiences consumed films.
How This Film Stands Out
While Pawn shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.
Unlike Star Trek V: The Final Frontier, which focuses more on action than character development, Pawn subverts genre expectations by exploring its themes with greater nuance.
While films like Executive Decision and Connected explore similar territory, Pawn stands apart through its deeper exploration of its central themes and more complex characterization.
This film's unique contribution to cinema lies in its thoughtful balance of entertainment value and thematic depth, making it a valuable addition to its genre.
Details
- Release Date: April 23, 2013
- Runtime: 1h 28m
- Budget: $83,000,000
Where to Watch
