Good Time was a brilliant way to end the 2017 New Zealand International Film Festival - a desperate, relentless, entrancing crime thriller at the mighty Civic Theatre.
Robert Pattinson can once and for all cast aside his Twilight stigma with this stunning performance, which is deserving of awards. It's the biggest driving force in this wild adrenalin ride of a film, second only to directors the Safdie Brothers, who I hope have a big future ahead of them.
Their aesthetic and feel is very grimy, and very indie New York - think Kids and you're close. That is put to marvellous effect here, as we're caught up in a frantic race through the city's underbelly.
One thing I found difficult was how unlikable the lead character is. Although saving his brother is a noble cause, his constantly appalling treatment of everyone else makes it hard to root for anything other than his inevitable imprisonment.
And yet, I was still completely compelled by this from beginning to end. Absolutely thrilling.
Four-and-a-half stars.
* Good Time is playing at the 2017 New Zealand International Film Festival.
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