This is a great example of an American indy-movie, ie, one where the hard-earned bucks were spent putting the producers' faith in the story right up there on the screen. It's not quite Tender Mercies or Coalminer's Daughter, but it certainly gives those two a run for their money. David Carradine's music and his performance are straight from the heart and Michael Moloney, playing Carradine's agent, takes his performance and turns it inside out and back again in a rare characterisation that is at times irritating and at times touching - just like an agent! Mariel Hemingway, in somewhat cynical mood here, observes the goings on with acidulous wit and in one memorable and moving scene throws that completely off in a long and revealing soliloquy. What American Reel has is heart and it deserves to be widely seen because of that. I thoroughly recommend it.
Review of American Reel
