Harsh Times

views updated

Harsh Times ★★ 2005 (R)

Bale's truly scary as Jim Davis, a haunted Gulf War vet who drinks and drugs too much, which only exacerbates his natural volatility. Jim also manages to drag best bud, weak-willed Mike (Rodriguez), into his twilight life, which takes a crazy turn when, after being turned down by the LAPD, Jim is offered a job with Homeland Security. But it's in Colombia, which means choosing between work and love with his Mexican honey (Trull). Since writer/director Ayer also wrote “Training Day,” you know this isn't going to end well. 119m/C DVD, HD DVD . US Christian Bale, Freddy Rodriguez, Eva Longoria, Terry Crews, Tammy Trull, J.K. Simmons, Noel Guglielmi; D: David Ayer; W: David Ayer; C: Steve Mason; M: Graeme Revell.