The Actor (2024) User Reviews

Great Film. Needs to be on your watch list!

[dmullins-72067 · 10/10 · 8 April 2024]

Really enjoyed watching "The Actor", especially seeing all of the local (DFW) talent. Another great thing was how it was filmed with a style that left you feeling like you were there, in the middle of everything. No overdone theatrics or action shots that make you rolls your eyes, thinking "yeah, that really happens!". Just a good storyline and actors that brought a 'real life' feel to the film.

Blake did a great job portraying Hunter's character, with [Hunter's] desire to "do the right thing" in everything in his life.

Major Dodge (one of my favorite actors) also did a great job as Joe, the enforcer. A roll I've never seen him in and he seemed to be the perfect choice for that roll, bringing a very believable character to Joe, and in my humble opinion, was the most believable character in the film. Definitely would like to see more rolls like this for Major Dodge!

I also was surprised to see MMA fighter Reid Kawakami who played Skull and did an excellent job as well (the mask had me rolling) :)

Great move and should be on everyone's watch list.

BEST SUITCASE-FULL-OF-MONEY MOVIE SINCE NO COUNTRY FOR OLD MEN

[rainlver · 10/10 · 8 April 2024]

This highly entertaining movie is full of nice surprises and interesting characters. Think of NO COUNTRY FOR OLD MEN or BLOOD SIMPLE. That's the kind of movie this is, and it compares favorably to those two.

Richard Blake plays the nice guy actor protagonist, trying to make it in the world of Hollywood cut-throats while keeping his morality, his self-respect. He is early-Robert Redford good-looking and smart, a decent man set upon by demonic circumstances. His character grapples with modern dilemmas--such as, how much of our lives is authentic, and how much is performance?

Major Dodge plays an outstandingly dark adversary. Charismatic, but at times he has the cold look of a menacing, blue-eyed devil. He is fun to watch.

The rest of the ensemble cast is stellar too, and the soundtrack is amazing. I was unfamiliar with the bands, but they had that Nick Cave/Tom Waits/Leonard Cohen lyricism that fit whatever was on the screen at the time. During some of the most humorous/surreal complications of the plot, there were some amazing rifts that sounded like Bernard Herrmann's soundtrack from NORTH BY NORTHWEST.

Fittingly so. The movie is THAT good..

A Gripping Texas-made Independent Film

[john-melton42 · 9/10 · 11 April 2024]

Richard Blake crafts a captivating story about Hunter Durban: a struggling LA actor just trying to find himself. Hunter ends up falling into a large amount of cash, which a gang of bad guys with a fearless & uncompromising leader (Major Dodge) will stop at nothing to retrieve from him. What follows is a truly inspiring piece of storycraft, where Dodge among others steal the show in a cat-and-mouse chase.

What truly blew me away was this story told in the background of a fantastic soundtrack made up of some of Collective Soul's best work. The film is a gripping action comedy, which I would highly recommend to any fans of rock, indie films, or just a general well put together action comedy.

Action packed adventure

[andrew-r-witt · 10/10 · 7 April 2024]

I really enjoyed the movie. The characters and storyline were great. The continuous action kept you engaged and excited throughout the movie. Richard Blake did a great job directing, writing the script and also playing the main character. I feel he did a great job exploring the characters and bringing them to life in the storyline. Major Dodge playing "the bad guy" was a great character for him. I enjoyed seeing him play that role and I hope they get to do more work together. I think the whole team came together well and show real continuity between all the characters and actors playing them. I'd like to see more from Richard Blake's creativeness and character development.

The Actor

[skeeta85 · 10/10 · 7 April 2024]

What a well written movie with enough action and drama to keep you in suspense. The acting throughout the film was spot on. Great film to sit down and watch with a group of friends who are looking to be entertained. The lead character (Hunter) does a great job carrying the film with enough range to show us the different nuances of who his character really is. The main villain (Joe) also does a great job of leading his goons throughout the film. The film contains a great ensemble cast who truly embodies each of their characters to keep the audience in suspense. Great job cast abs crew!! I highly recommend watching "The Actor" when it comes out.

What a rockin' roller coaster ride!! MUST SEE!!

[kendallartists · 10/10 · 18 April 2024]

Epic soundtrack that keeps you pumped and wanting the ride to never end! The movie starts intense and keeps you on the edge of your seat until you see the credits. It has a great story and incredible acting on the part of all of the characters. It has a slick edge to the characters and the music. If you like suspense movies, you have to see this film! Cinematography is amazing as you hover over both Hollywood and Texas. The backdrop for the action and drama is truly incredible! The lead actor, Richard Blake, is one of my favorite actors and he knocked it out of the park as the star role. There's great comic relief in between to round out a really great movie!

Well it's about time!

[dalomite · 9/10 · 19 April 2024]

Finally! A film that my WHOLE family can be entertained by -- and we were! And no, that doesn't translate to cheesy and boring. It's totally the opposite. The main character is just a nice, hard working guy trying to make his dream career happen, but then finds himself in a career HALTING predicament.

I loved the irony that his predicament causes too, because now he has to REALLY put his career skills to work like never before, and for the most unexpected audience at that! All he wanted to do is act and get paid enough to live well doing it. But it's a tough industry and all his efforts are proving futile. Then, in a crazy twist, the order of fruit after labor gets reverse. He "gets paid". But NOW he has to "act" like never before! It's a completely insane ride for us, the true audience, as this cat and mouse comedy thriller becomes a catS and mouse thriller. He's got more than one to worry about! But soon enough, he has some cats of his own to help him take care of business, and in some pretty clever and creative ways too. The film has an amazing and energy filled soundtrack to accompany the action packed scenes. Collective Soul's high energy tracks keep you rockfully engaged and stoked to see what Hunters next move will be. He's on this wild and almost deadly ride that he had to improvise his way through just to stay alive. Yeah there's some comic relief in the film, but its not overbearing. Pretty well balanced and entertaining story. You're sure to enjoy it, and you can include your whole fam too. Light cursing with mild, non gore violence. A great story with a rockin' soundtrack and a dope clímax. An easy re-watch.

A must see

[rdwyn-10819 · 10/10 · 7 April 2024]

This movie has a good storyline and some good acting. If you are in to action, comedy, drama and thriller movies I recommend watching The Actor! The main character is a struggling actor who takes you on crazy ride trying to get away from the ruthless gangsters he double crossed and in the process he puts on the performance of his struggling acting career as he's being chased by the ruthless gangsters that murdered his nieghbor and trying to keep the same thing from happening to him. This movie touches on morals, values and making hard life changing decisions that I'm sure almost everyone us can relate to especially in the times we live in now. The cast and production did a good job bringing this movie to the big screen!

Expensive cars, bags of money, vintage guns, & Rock n' roll

[richardblake314 · 10/10 · 9 April 2024]

This is an independent film that boasts an extensive and diverse cast, an ever-changing landscape, and a soundtrack that will having you tapping your foot, nodding your head, or maybe even singing along. The main word here is "fun." The film doesn't take itself too seriously while at the same time balances many deep and thoughtful considerations. Where is the line drawn between right and wrong? Who draws the line? We all have to "act" a little bit in life to get what we want right? These are the questions that might cross your mind while watching, and this is the moral conflict that exists for Hunter, the lead protagonist in the movie. It's fun to see great actors like Melissa Archer, Donny Boaz, and Sheila Houlahan step into character roles and fill out a supporting cast of familiar and new faces. Major Dodge takes on the role of Joe, the films lead villain. Every time he steps on screen you are just not quite sure if he's going to pour you a glass of scotch, or smash the bottle over your head. Phil Mendoza from "Better Call Saul" enters during the third act, and watch as celebrity UFC fighter Steven "Ocho" Peterson plays the menacing role of "Blender" while also performing all of his own stunts. Two things overall make this film stand out, there's absolutely no green screen or fake CGI effects. First, everything is practically done, and although occasionally unbelievable, you enjoy the fact that you're watching a great indie-film with an actual story containing constant set ups and payoffs. Second, Collective Soul completely rocks the soundtrack, and their energy is pulsing through the entire film, expanding over three decades of new and familiar rock songs.

This movie is everything I've been missing

[sheilahoulahan · 10/10 · 16 April 2024]

Stop what you're doing and go watch The Actor right now!! It brings back an absolutely delightful amount of nostalgia for comedy/action/adventure flicks from the 80s and 90s; it's the Hollywood that I've been missing for so long. Tired of seeing the same old recycled plot lines on streaming these days? The Actor is the antidote to this problem!!

This movie gave me faith in filmmaking again. I'll be sure to keep my eyes peeled for anything else from Richard Blake in the coming years. If you wanna watch something funny, thrilling and truly entertaining, this is the movie for you.

Thank you to all the creatives involved with the film for making this movie happen!

Fantastic Film!

[jasondrumwright · 10/10 · 2 May 2024]

We've all thought about what we'd do if we had a bag full of cash, but this film is probably the best representation of what most of us would actually do! So relatable! The main character, played by Richard Blake, is probably the person we all think we are. Too nice, but at a breaking point. My favorite character is Joe, played by Major Dodge. Not your classic villain. Major played this role with way more depth. A bad guy but with personality. So good! You almost don't want to hate him but you have to. I wish there was a sequel so I could see these too meet up again! All in all, great production value and a very well made film.

Entertainment for Entertainment's Sake

[Chica86Marie90 · 10/10 · 16 April 2024]

This is a movie you can sit back & just enjoy the journey of the main character. A great cautionary tale and something I think a lot of people struggling to make it by & want more in life can relate to. What would you do if you found a bag of cash?! Great cast with a variety of characters that are all different and fun to see. The story moves quickly and everything you see is intentional, which I love! It's a crime / thriller, but also very funny. Lots of comical relief moments that you'll catch if you're not taking it too seriously. If you're involved in the movie biz at all, you'll love it and if you're not - still love it!

Awesome Indie Action Flick

[fpg-25961 · 9/10 · 10 April 2024]

Indie movie with tons of action, comedy and a hell of an ending. Loved all the Easter eggs and references. Haven't seen any great summer popcorn movies that are just plain fun in ages. Will definitely rewatch again and again and don't doubt this will quickly become a cult classic very soon. Killer Collective Soul music really underscored the tempo and intensity of the chase. Acting and casting were great all around. Story was simple, clean and interesting with comedy to offset the tension. Really hope there is a sequel or something that continues the story. Recommend for anyone who loves a fun cat/mouse chase movie.

This movie actually kicked ass ...

[thebregmangroup · 10/10 · 10 April 2024]

I saw "The Actor" a few days ago with my wife. Was actually a ton of fun! The movie is sort-of a throwback to the classic movies I loved in the 90's ... Good drama and a lot of suspense. A bunch of well-placed laughs also. I also liked how the plot, acting, music, and tension were the drivers of the film ... vs. The lazy approach of relying primarily on cursing, violence, or sex. Until the very end, I wasn't sure how all of the plot would turn out! For an independent movie, it felt "really big" ... like it came from a major studio. Was a ton of fun for us. Also LOVED the music by Collective Soul -- the music kicked ass also and added a ton to many scenes. I definitely would watch it again.

Found this sleeper hit on Apple TV ranked #2 in New Movies

[brigettekeaneyy · 10/10 · 18 April 2024]

Without a doubt, I can confidently say that I received exceptional value for my money's worth! Brace yourself for an exhilarating cinematic journey because "The Actor" is not just another film-it's a vibrant indie masterpiece crafted by the talented director Richard Blake. Prior to this, Richard's name hadn't crossed my radar, but a quick check on IMDb revealed a treasure trove of well-regarded films in his portfolio that I'm now eager to explore.

As I immersed myself in the world of "The Actor," I found it to be a delightful blend of entertainment and introspection. The movie is a rich tapestry of colorful characters, a meticulously crafted plotline that keeps you on the edge of your seat, and a dynamic soundtrack that had me tapping my toes on the carpet (fingers crossed the neighbors below weren't too bothered by my impromptu dance moves).

I LOVED it!

[lilyissac · 10/10 · 24 April 2024]

I'm not a professional movie reviewer or anything, but this movie was great! I think the casting was great and i loved the diversity. I really appreciated that the plot didn't linger and the characters were relatable. The close calls gave me anxiety but we're funny and I think the understated approach was the best way to deliver the scene. Lol the "actor" had to depend on his skills to stay incognito. 😅 I wouldn't get nearly as far as he did, not by a long shot.

I'm very much looking forward to sharing this with my friends and family. It's a perfect movie for all genre lovers. Good job y'all!

Solid Entertainment Reminiscent Of The Best 90s Heist Films

[jdcedit · 8/10 · 12 April 2024]

I had the good fortune last weekend to attend the premiere of "The Actor" in downtown Forth Worth. It is a wonderfully entertaining independent film about the passion and frustration of being an artist as well as the negative consequences of losing one's moral compass. It is a character driven throwback to heist films of the 1990's, a decade of film that I grow fonder of with each passing year. If a tense chase movie is on the menu for the weekend, this definitely could tickle your itch.

Authenticity is "The Actor's" greatest strength. I spent a decade in LA and this film nails the vacuous narcissism of the Hollywood based film industry. They often look down on the good hearted and the opening audition scene uses that reality to pull us right into who Hunter is and what his frustrations are. This connection that allows the audience to understand and follow the unfortunate decisions he makes leading to the central conflict. All of this is brought to life by a dynamic cast who bring a soul to each character. (The villains, in particular, clearly love playing villains. They bring a simultaneous sense of threat and humor to the piece.)

On the production end, I enjoyed the way this film uses well thought out steady long shots to heighten the tension. It also does not over cut, which I really like as an editor. It also does a nice job utilizing both its LA and Texas locations to great effect. Add in some cool practical effects on top of that, the final product is an all around solid piece.

Do I recommend the film? Most definitely. In a world of corporate sludge, it is refreshing to watch material with a soul made by filmmakers who care. This independent sphere is where the solid stuff is going to come from today. "The Actor" can be seen on Apple TV and Vudu. Check it out.

4/5.

Hilarious, intelligent dark comedy!

[kfuller-79224 · 10/10 · 13 May 2024]

A struggling actor gets into a very bad situation with the wrong people, and pure comedy ensues. This is a well-written, well-acted dark comedy that you won't want to miss. Richard Blake, in the lead role (also director/producer) delivers, as well as the supporting cast including Major Dodge as forceful and sarcastic leader of a team of goons that are hellbent on getting their money, that includes MMA fighter Steven Ocho Peterson. Phil Mendoza excels as the dad/patriarch that gets caught up in the mess. Highly recommended! Be sure to check it out on Amazon, Apple TV and other streaming services!

A Must See Movie! Job Well Done!

[DeeMB2020 · 10/10 · 12 April 2024]

I just watched this movie on Apple with my two daughters, ages 10 and 14, and we actually loved it! It reminded me of "Home Alone" when I was younger. Nice suspense and a story line that unfolds at a proper place. The movie sort of leaves clues that you won't be able to deduce their true meaning, until much later. It makes it fun. Like the game of Jenga. As a more traditional Mom, I appreciated as also there wasn't much swearing and I believe no nudity. It was a fun one and I think I'd watch it again. Now I think I should have bought it vs. Rented it, haha. Enjoy and good weekend to all! Make sure to watch, you won't regret it.

Al Ruddy look out!!!

[les-56831 · 10/10 · 16 April 2024]

My wife and I recently enjoyed the Paramount Plus series "The Offer" about the making of The Godfather by producer Al Ruddy. What a cool story and insight about just how difficult it is to make a film, let alone a good one. "The Actor" and Director Richard Blake and his DP on this little indie film reminded us so much of what first time producer Al Ruddy had to go through just to even get any funding for a masterpiece like The Godfather. For being independent the scope of this film just keeps expanding, with a massive cast of all kinds of characters, some who we recognize from hit TV shows like Better Call Saul and Cobra Kai, and others that are fresh faces, but turn in solid performances. We greatly appreciate the writing and we noticed even the smallest of details connecting to the story and coming back around. Very fun to see, and were excited to rewatch it with our son. This story is simple fun movie for people who like movies, that's all there is to it.

Great film! Definitely belongs on your watch list!

[abzdad-73403 · 10/10 · 17 April 2024]

The Actor was a fun film to watch, with an effective mix of humor and action that kept the viewer engaged throughout. The story was original, the writing was good, and the acting was great, with an especially strong performance by by Major Dodge, who has been in many films, including Bomb City, and who was the star of one of Safelite Auto Glasses longest running, and most popular commercials. Watching the friendly Safelite guy threaten to fry a family in a swimming pool with a bug zapper really showed Major's range, as an actor. Overall, I was very entertained, and I enjoyed "The Actor" very much!

Tons of Fun!

[bwisdom-86980 · 10/10 · 12 April 2024]

This movie is tons of fun from beginning to end, with nods all audiences will love and appreciate. Actors and movie lovers will love this film even more because it captures the creativity and struggles an actor faces, and the tedious job of auditioning and performing. Music lovers will appreciate this film due to the soundtrack. The soundtrack flows so well with the pace of the movie and really does a great job of capturing the feeling and tone of each scene. I particularly enjoyed the comedic elements of the film and how you can never predict what is going to happen next. This film will keep you glued to the story, it's characters, and have your foot tapping along to the beat the entire time.

A delightful Surprise!

[sfjpbkm · 9/10 · 16 May 2024]

What a delightful and refreshing original film! It's fun to watch what it's truly like being an actor, depicting the realism of what it's like in the day to day hustle and then....it all takes a truly dramatic unexpected turn. No Spoilers.

The entire cast shine in their individual roles as you could see the talent throughout. It's films like these that are a joy when you can see the talent of people showing one thing then having to pivot and show something else in order to survive!

Please take the time to watch! Sit back and enjoy this , fun, and innovative drama comedy that will exceed whatever expectations you may have.

Actually Really Fun!

[sashabracha · 10/10 · 17 April 2024]

I remember him from NCSI wow! 👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼This movie was so fun!

I saw it with my husband on a pre release we won tickets too. It was actually a really fun flick, the perfect amount of suspense/humor that made me forget about my stresses fully (thank you!)

I also loved it because it's not gross or lewd just "because" The script and acting speak for themselves which is more than I can say for a lot of movies these days!! 10/10 Id watch again 👍🏼

Last note, the while sound track is Collective Soul which is too cool, a blast from High School days.. :) Also the main actor Richard Blake is so good. 👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼

What a great film to watch!

[devonhardeman · 10/10 · 22 April 2024]

I really enjoyed watching this film. It is a very well written story with fun added in with some twists and turns. The acting was great, especially by the guy that plays the dad... I believe his name in the movie is Mr. Rowland or something. My favorite scene is when he (Oops, that would be a bit of a spoiler, but what a great depiction of working to protect your family.) To me, when I am watching a movie, I look for good writing with a good story line, along with a plot that does not make me want to walk away. This movie had all of these. I don't want to give anything away so, give the film a watch. You won't be sorry that you did!