On HD-DVD: 11:59

Directed and Written By: Jamin Winans

Starring: Raymond Andrew Bailey, Liz Cunningham, Laura Fuller, Chris Kelly

Aaron (Raymond Andrew Bailey), photo journalist for ACN news, chases down suspected child murderer Thomas Hastings (Chris Kelly) to get the breaking story of the day. Though cynical and surprisingly hardened for a young guy, Aaron produces break-through photo journalist work and becomes the news room all star. This becomes short lived, though, as Aaron’s life turns upside down when he wakes up the next day in an empty field confused.

The Movie

11:59 was originally conceived of as a short film. Being fashioned as a short probably allowed this to be stronger feature. A short requires one to be more compact with plot, symbol, and commentary. You have to pack a lot of punch into a smaller space. I think this made a great foreground for developing an action thriller that has something to say about media spin and bias and how reality is fashioned from this.

The film hits the ground running with Aaron and ACN news journalist Lisa (Laura Fuller) chasing after Thomas Hastings in their news van as police are on the hunt to catch their suspect. Adele (Liz Cunningham), the no-bullshit, on point news editor of ACN, directs this real-time capture of an in-process news story. Adele is all about timing, strategy, and buildup in order to produce “magic hour” for the public.

Hastings unwittingly runs out in front of the news van and stops as a deer-in-a-headlight victim. Aaron slams on the breaks, just halting the van before hitting Hastings. Hastings runs and Aaron peels out on foot after him with his camera catching Cops-like footage of the chase. Aaron is now on top of his game, but soon ends up in the midst of a scandal when he ends up in a field miles away from the city.

The opener suggests that the film will be a high-throttle, action thriller, but the pacing changes as the film gently glides into a psychological thriller with hints of possible government/media conspiracy. Winans uses a good tactic here to grab the audience before settling them into their seats to pay attention to details about what the hell is going on with ACN, the police, the upcoming election, and how the hell a jaded man like Aaron might just save the day.

Aaron’s characterization as a jaded, angry man was a risk to take in terms of relating to a main-stream audience. By the way, Raymond Andrew Bailey portrays Aaron’s jaded outlook quite convincingly. The character, though, might be hard to relate to for some. However, underneath Aaron’s dry cynicism is a will to work and to uncover unethical things. The film showcases his strength of character as we learn that Aaron apparently came from a hard background, probably living as a foster after his mother dies. He’s also suffers from asthma, a weakness we see he’s dealt with all his life as the film  flashes back to scenes of him as a boy running till he almost collapses. However, the film turns heroic as Aaron fights against his weakness in the final climax of the film.

The cinematography is strong throughout. The vantage point of a shaking camera suggest the high-impact chase of the opening scenes. There were some good focus shots on characters faces to allow nonverbal characterization to shine. An interesting use of short sweeps with the close-ups adds immediacy and action to even the slower dialogue scenes.

8.5/10

The Video

Presented in anamorphic widescreen, 11:59 was shot in HD, so the pictures are crisp, clear, fine, and nice to behold. The colors are vibrant and clean throughout.  This movie could have been an even stronger presentation had the DVD been taken from the original digital content rather than from a film print.  With that said though, the film print used for this DVD looks great.

8/10

The Audio

The sound is presented in Dolby Digital 5.1 surround. The overall quality is good, balanced, and easy on the ears.  Now this isn't a uge Hollywood release so I imagine the budget wasn't there to really provide an immersive experience but the rear speakers do get used on occasion.

8/10

The Packaging and Bonus Features

11:59 comes in a standard aramay case with a great artistic poster-like scene that pops like a good action-thriller movie poster should.

The DVD release offers a few great bonus features. We get some good interviews from the writer/director and from the lead. Also, there is an awesome and compelling short film called “Spin” available that adds to the overall social commentary of the feature film.

7/10

11:59 is a strong film, with good work done by a young team of film makers. The writing is robust, snappy, and to the point. The production values are great for an independent film. Also, the social commentary and suggestions made by the film are well worth considering. This is a good presentation.

Overall (Not an Average) 9/10

The Review

The Movie 8.5/10

The Video 8/10

The Audio 8/10

The Packaging and Bonus Features 7/10

Overall (Not an Average) 8.5/10

-Chuck Knight