Last Updated on August 2, 2021
PLOT: A washed-up boxer (Corey Stoll) becomes the fall-guy for a wealthy mobster (Billy Crudup).
REVIEW: Being a film critic for JoBlo.com, my inbox is ofen full of review requests from indie distributors looking for coverage for their movies. When you agree to check out one of these films, it’s really a crap-shoot as to how the film is going to turn out. Something like GLASS CHIN really belongs in the “best case” scenario in that it’s a truly nifty little neo-noir gem that deserves to find an audience.
The great Corey Stoll is perfectly cast as a washed-up big-time boxer. While not a total oaf, his bruised ego won’t allow him to let go of his former glory. Having blown all of his cash, he’s now reduced to living in a cramped apartment where he whines to his supportive girlfriend (Marin Ireland) about how he’s constantly losing Facebook friends and how everyone has turned their back on him now that he’s no longer a party machine. Stoll’s guy is not immediately likable. He’s responsible for his own downfall, and while his girlfriend should be his solace, he constantly screws around on her despite her steadfast support. Still, he gives the guy some tenderness, with one of his redeeming features being his love for his black lab dog, and the honest professionalism he brings to a part-time gig mentoring a young up and comer, leading to a big crisis of conscience in the finale.
In classic noir style, it’s the promise of another shot at the big-time that lures him into working as a debt collector for Billy Crudup’s smoothie mobster. Sent out on runs with the more vicious Robert (a scene-stealing Yul Vasquez) an unlucky run-in with a coked-up school teacher with a 300k debt leads to his inevitable downfall in classic noir tradition.
Running a lean eighty-eight minutes, Noah Buschel’s film really does come off like a modern version of the kind of melodrama that would have starred Robert Mitchum or Victor Mature in the forties. Moving at a quick clip, things happen fast although Buschel is also able to slow things down at times for a lengthy exchange between characters, with him naturalistic, gritty dialogue feeling like something out of Cassavettes – giving this a strong KILLING OF A CHINESE BOOKIE style vibe.
One of my only complaints is that the inevitable frame-up never really feels convincing, as Crudup’s supposedly smart mobster is basically painting a target on his back for cops with his threats. That said, it still kinda works as it’s initially ambiguous as to whether or not he’ll actually follow-through, with the important thing being that Stoll’s not-too-bright character thinks he will.
Despite its modest budget, Buschel gives this a crisp scope look, and the soundtrack is way above average for an indie, with lots of great songs, including some cuts from the New York Dolls (along with a cameo by front man David Johansen thrown in for good measure). Stoll is terrific, perfectly playing the smart-assed but thick between the ears boxer. Marin Ireland is incredible as his girlfriend; giving what could have been a stock character real life and warmth. For his part, Crudup is a little too polished to be menacing but it suits the role – even if he’s a little too quick to bust out into Tarantino-ish speeches (which doesn’t jibe with the rest of the film). The still absolutely gorgeous Kelly Lynch pops up for two scenes as a bartender Stoll hooks up with, but despite only having a few minutes of screen time she makes a huge impact. The best of all of them is Yul Vasquez, who gives real depth to his tough-guy enforcer part, with a climactic heart-to-heart with Stoll being arguably the movie’s best bit.
Suffice to say, GLASS CHIN was a real unexpected gem and the type of indie film I’m always hoping shows up in my inbox. Now that it’s hitting VOD, I highly suggest all of you who like this kind of thing get out there and support it by ordering it. Its well-worth the modest VOD fee and a really solid watch.
Follow the JOBLO MOVIE NETWORK
Follow us on YOUTUBE
Follow ARROW IN THE HEAD
Follow AITH on YOUTUBE