Pitting two A-list actors against each other in Killing Season turned out to be a bright idea. Both John Travolta and Robert De Niro who are acting in the same film for the first time put on great performances in this thriller. The film has many twists and a very compelling storyline. I enjoyed watching the film on Blu-ray and if you like a good cat and mouse drama I recommend it highly.
It’s been 20 years following the end of the Bosnian war and we find ex-military UN officer Ford (De Niro) getting some alone time taking wildlife photos at his Appalachian Mountains retreat where he has become one with the wilderness. One day as he takes off down the mountain in his SUV to get some film at the nearest store and the motor quits. Cold and far from the nearest town and a good ways from his cabin he sees a hunter coming out of the forest. The man approaches Ford and offers his assistance and after a declining a couple of times, Kovac’s (Travolta) insistence finally wins over the ex-GI and he’s able to get the vehicle started.
Seeing Kovac looks cold he offers to take him to his cabin where he can warm up. The two strikes up a friendship and the conversation moves to the Bosnian War. They both admit to being in the conflict with Kovac serving on a Serbian death squad. Both being hunters, Kovac challenges Ford to a game of bringing in the first Elk.
When the two start reminiscing about their assignments in the Bosnian war, things start to take an unexpected turn. Director Mark Steven Johnson (Ghost Rider) keeps the game of cat and mouse moving along adding more to the story working in each of their past lives. He peppers the film with back story shots of their functions slowly heating up a conflict between the two that goes through many twists making the movie compelling and a thriller.
Travolta has the toughest job keeping his Serbian accent going throughout without a misfire. He keeps his character interesting, secretive, menacing, and intimidating as he starts to reveal the purpose of his adventure to the Appalachian wilderness. He’s tough and relentless taking his hunting as more of a killing opportunity rather than a sport. De Niro makes his ford cunning, stealth and determined while on the run or the hunt in this deadly game. Ford knows what’s up, but he doesn’t want to tip his hand as he keeps the bait and the quarry at a safe distance.
This Blu-ray will slide nicely into my collection forever as being a nice match up between two of my favorite actors. Never before have the two great actors Travolta (Two times Oscar nominated) and De Niro (Two times Oscar winner) played opposite each other in a movie. I believe Killing Season turned out to be a very good project for both.
The video quality is terrific with awesome shots of the forest, the mountains and the trails. Keeping the camera close you can see the aging lines in the faces of the actors as they work their magic with their characters. With a perfect cast, remarkable location and excellent camerawork the Blu-ray widescreen 1080p 1.78:1 Aspect Ratio fits my whole 16×9 screen with beautiful detail.
The sound quality using the 5.1 Dolby True HD brings the dialogue in crisp and clean with no distortion. The surround picks up the side noise with desirable affect making the film gripping. Music by Christopher Young (Spider-Man 3, Drag Me To Hell) adds depth to the film and excitement during the chase scenes.
The Bonus Feature called “Killing Season featurette” delves into the Bosnian War and the horrors of the conflict that took thousands of lives.
Killing Season has been rated R by the MPAA for strong violence, some torture, and language including some sexual references. Be cautious when deciding to allow immature children under the age of 17 see the film as it does have some scenes that may be inappropriate for young minds.
Specifications and additional film information:
Cast: John Travolta, Robert De Niro
Directed by: Mark Steven Johnson
MPAA Rating: R for strong violence, some torture, and language including some sexual references
Genre: War, Thriller
Running Time: 1 hr 31 min
Video Release Date: August 20, 2013
Original Film Release Date: July 12, 2013
Language: English
Format: Blu-ray
Audio: Dolby TrueHD 5.1
Video: 16×9 1.78:1 Aspect Ration
Subtitles: English SDH
Number of Discs: 1 Disc
Distributed by: Millennium Entertainment
Writer, critic, film editor John Delia, Sr. has been on all sides of the movie business from publications to film making. He has worked as a film critic with ACED Magazine for more than 20 years and other publications for a total of 40 years. He earned a Bachelor’s degree in communications from the University of Florida. John is a member of the Southeastern Film Critics Association and Critics Association of Central Florida Send John a message at jdelia@acedmagazine.com
