Cactus (2008)
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50% of critics liked it
(10 reviews) -
39% of users liked it
(267 ratings)
Two men on the wrong side of the law are brought together under perilous circumstances in this thriller from Australia, the first feature film for director Jasmine Yuen-Carrucan. Eli Jones (David Lyons) is a gambler whose luck has already taken a turn for the worse when he's attacked one night and… More Two men on the wrong side of the law are brought together under perilous circumstances in this thriller from Australia, the first feature film for director Jasmine Yuen-Carrucan. Eli Jones (David Lyons) is a gambler whose luck has already taken a turn for the worse when he's attacked one night and wakes up the next morning bound and gagged in the back of a car. Behind the wheel is John Kelly (Travis McMahon), a man he's never met. Eli has no idea where he's going or why he's been abducted until John takes pity on him and removes the gag. As the two men talk, we learn that Eli is deep in debt to powerful men who have hired John to kidnap him. John isn't a criminal by nature, but a series of family crises have forced him to raise some quick cash, and he's agreed to bring Eli to a rendezvous in the outback in exchange for a big payday. While Eli has worked out what he's convinced is a foolproof plan, fate brings others into the picture and his scheme begins to unravel, with dangerous consequences. Actor Bryan Brown served as executive producer on Cactus as well as playing a key supporting role. ~ Mark Deming, Rovi
- Rating, Runtime
- Unrated, 1 hr. 29 min.
- Directed By
- Jasmine Yuen Carrucan
- Genres
- Drama, Art House & International, Mystery & Suspense
- In Theaters
- May 1, 2008 Wide
Critic Reviews
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Jennie Punter, Globe and Mail
Cactus thrives on sparse dialogue and scant backstory, so the flood of information in the final act waters down what is otherwise a dark outback thriller.
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Sura Wood, Hollywood Reporter
Suspenseful misadventure gets off to a roaring start but doesn't deliver the goods.
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Russell Edwards, Variety
Jasmine Yuen-Carrucan ("Kill Bill," "Mongol") leapfrogs into the director's chair with confidence; but her flawed, lightweight script betrays inexperience behind a keyboard.
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David Nusair, Reel Film Reviews
...Cactus feels like a short that's been awkwardly expanded to feature length.
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Liz Braun, Jam! Movies
Cactus is the sort of film that grabs your attention from the beginning and holds on tight almost throughout, but vanishes from your mind the minute it's over.
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