Here's a surprise: The Gift is a mature thriller that's more complex and classy than the trailers suggest. I don't know what caused the marketing department to make the film look like such a second-rate, cheap, predictable thriller that somehow had gotten ahold of talented actors, but now we know the truth. As Joel Edgerton's directorial debut, it's impressive, considering the sense of craft going on behind the camera. The cinematography is gorgeous and the pacing is that of a slow burn, but it's never dull. The premise is also deceptively simple, turning more intricate and involving as the film progresses. Edgerton, who also wrote the screenplay, refuses to adhere to genre conventions, constantly subverting audience's expectations on how the story plays out. Red herrings, plot twists, shifting perspectives, and moral ambiguity ensue, but they never feel cheap. Like the best thrillers, The Gift evolves naturally and realistically. Edgerton and Rebecca Hall are great, but it is Jason Bateman who impresses. As a natural comedian actor, he plays one of his rare, serious roles to terrific effect. But I digress. You should go into this film with a clean slate, but know that it is a rare, intelligent thriller that doesn't cheat or spoonfeed its audience. And in that regard, Joel Edgerton has given us a gift, indeed.

Joel Edgerton has been a quality actor for some time, but he reveals himself to be a triple threat in this film as writer/director/actor. Jason Batman and Rebecca Hall play a young couple who move back to Bateman's hometown of LA. They run into a old high school classmate of Bateman's (Edgerton) who may harbor ill intentions, but the past is more complicated than it seems. All three actors give great performances and the direction by Edgerton will keep you on the edge of your seat. Extras include an informative commentary by Edgerton. Check it out.

This is an interesting movie. It's very slow at times but it made the point poignantly. Be mindful of how you treat other people because you never know how bullying can damage someone's life to the point that they become obsessed with ruining your life and destroying everything you work for. Do not underestimate revenge it's very personal and very necessary for some people.

The story begins with Robyn and Simon, newlyweds in their new home. Gordon, an old friend of Simon's, starts leaving gifts at the couples door. Eventually, past secrets are revealed. The film is suspenseful in the way it is presented. Jason Bateman is convincing in his role as Simon as is rebecca Hall as Robyn.

I bought this not knowing much about it other then seeing the trailer a few months back. Most people seemed to enjoy it so I picked it up. It didn't hurt that I am a big Jason Bateman fan, but I had an uneasy feeling about him playing a non comedy role. Well this movie starts out with a chance meeting of two guys who were once high school classmates Bateman, and Gordon "Gordo". Bateman remembers more then he lets on about Gordo. Gordo begins to leave gifts and visit Bateman's wife frequently while he is at work. I think my biggest problem with this movie is not much really happens until the very end of this movie. It feels really long and winded. By the end I was just begging for something to happen, and when it did it was so obvious and underwhelming. I would consider this movie to be average nothing more.