Really lovely storyline, well acted and genuine, I absolutely loved it. It wasn't what I expected and the advert really does not do it justice. I would recommend it to anyone. It also has a truly stunning accompanying soundtrack and I would highly recommend just listening to on its own. Its a very gentle film that doesn't pull its punches, its truthful and as the film goes on and the story starts to pull together you really start to realise how beautifully thought out it all is. It touches on the themes of neglect, a badly run welfare system and the horrible cycle of poverty and unfairness. Totally uplifting it made me cry twice! This film really does not get the credit it is due. Watch it and recommend it to all your friends!
16 Reviews
Quirky and Deep
meghensley2019 February 2014
I was first drawn in by the poster to watch this film. A friend of mine had recommended it and I thought I would give it a chance. I was looking to watch a film that made me laugh and cry, and this is exactly what this film did! I am a fan of Carrie Preston and Rebecca Hall as well. I am now a fan of the other actors as well! Everyone fit their role so wonderfully! The plot moved along very nicely and I was surprised to find myself so emotional after I had just been laughing at something in the prior scene. I wish there were more independent films like this. A wide audience can identify with each of the characters. A beautiful film.
Makes You Think
armandomontelongo71523 May 2013
The thing that makes me connect with independent films is that they make you think. Hollywood blockbusters just don't seem all that poignant anymore. For this reason I am glad that Netflix suggested A Bag of Hammers to me. It tells the story of two lifelong friends whose bond was developed over hardships in childhood. To make ends meet these two have a very lucrative career as con men. Their lives and friendships are tested when they inherit an orphaned boy, a boy in whom they see a lot of their own struggles of youth.
I really connected with the cast and was genuinely touched by Jason Ritter's speech on the Bag of Hammers that is in the film. It had the perfect feel for a modern independent film with a modest budget, realistic locations and important message that tackles modern-day dilemmas. It is a unique take on the coming of age story, not just for the orphaned boy, but for the two con men who must finally come to grips with growing up.
I really connected with the cast and was genuinely touched by Jason Ritter's speech on the Bag of Hammers that is in the film. It had the perfect feel for a modern independent film with a modest budget, realistic locations and important message that tackles modern-day dilemmas. It is a unique take on the coming of age story, not just for the orphaned boy, but for the two con men who must finally come to grips with growing up.
A Very Enjoyable Story about Growing-Up and Becoming a Family
JustCuriosity18 March 2011
A Bag of Hammers was very well-received in its world premiere at Austin's SXSW Film Festival. Writer/Director Brian Crano has delivered an excellent first feature film that mixes comedy and drama. The script and the acting are first rate. The film tells the story of how two young thieves who don't really grow up until they are confronted with the responsibility of dealing with an abandoned child. It is a story about how family is extends beyond what we are born into to what we construct from bonds of love. The plot is believable and charming. The characters are delightfully human. In a world full of poorly-written and acted Hollywood blockbusters, A Bag of Hammers is the type of independent film that we need more of. Hopefully, it will get a wide theatrical release.
Excellent!
ingde15 June 2012
I've never felt the need to review a movie before, but I absolutely loved this movie and as it finished I just wanted to tell someone to see it! As it's Friday night and all my friends are busy at the moment I'll just have to tell you guys: Go and watch this movie!
I'm not going to say anything about the plot, the trailer covers just enough, the viewer understands what it's about but there are still surprises along the way in the plot and emotions that comes up. I highly recommend this movie to anyone. If one of those who made this movie happens to read this; Thank you. You made my weekend.
Ingrid
I'm not going to say anything about the plot, the trailer covers just enough, the viewer understands what it's about but there are still surprises along the way in the plot and emotions that comes up. I highly recommend this movie to anyone. If one of those who made this movie happens to read this; Thank you. You made my weekend.
Ingrid
A Bag of Indie-Wannabe
tappingjeff4 November 2012
Brian Crano's film A Bag of Hammers is part of the modern subset of indie dramedies, films that try to embrace cultural or social issues but finding a proper mix of quirky humor and twisted situations that somehow bizarrely mirror real life with a touch of humor and dash of heartbreak. While this mini-genre is at its fullest popularity, Crano's film doesn't reach the brilliance that other films similar has done.
Ben (Jason Ritter) and Alan (Jake Sandvig) are two friends who make a living by stealing cars through their valet service (how they aren't caught, the world may never know) and sublet part of their house to a struggling single mother, desperate to get a job and provide for her son. The boys end up taking care of the child themselves and must decide whether they are ready to move past their own adolescence to raise a son as their own.
The plot suggests class statements, coming-of-age, and a type of conflict that would usually inhabit a Fox sitcom or a 1980's comedy. While some of these ambitions play out, most of them fall flat or are too jumbled to reach any real potential. Ritter and Sandvig give it their all, with Chandler Canterbury given a misdirected performance of vague longing. The film relies on a soundtrack to convey emotion instead of proper, driven dialogue to propel the narrative to create something more. The film has it's heart in the right place, but the execution denies it's ultimate success.
C
Ben (Jason Ritter) and Alan (Jake Sandvig) are two friends who make a living by stealing cars through their valet service (how they aren't caught, the world may never know) and sublet part of their house to a struggling single mother, desperate to get a job and provide for her son. The boys end up taking care of the child themselves and must decide whether they are ready to move past their own adolescence to raise a son as their own.
The plot suggests class statements, coming-of-age, and a type of conflict that would usually inhabit a Fox sitcom or a 1980's comedy. While some of these ambitions play out, most of them fall flat or are too jumbled to reach any real potential. Ritter and Sandvig give it their all, with Chandler Canterbury given a misdirected performance of vague longing. The film relies on a soundtrack to convey emotion instead of proper, driven dialogue to propel the narrative to create something more. The film has it's heart in the right place, but the execution denies it's ultimate success.
C
A superb movie suitable for everyone!
rtaron17 June 2012
So far the rating on this movie is so low - that is NOT because it is not a good movie. It combines the bro-movie with a real look at the financial circumstances so many are suffering today. Both male characters are a gentle combination of quirky losers who decide to take on a young boy who is going through hard times much as they did.
Jason Ritter is such a pleasing actor, his nature and humour shine as the young man whose brother's death informs his aimlessness. Jake Sandvig is an excellent match, if you wanted to find a flaw perhaps they were too much alike, but personally I found it believable. Rebecca Hall, playing Jason's sister, is the voice of sanity - but not always right. Chandler Canterbury as the young boy is wonderful - all you would want in any 12 year old but prematurely old due to his life circumstances.
Done with a beautiful subtlety and restraint, this is one of the best movies I've seen of this genre in a long time.
Jason Ritter is such a pleasing actor, his nature and humour shine as the young man whose brother's death informs his aimlessness. Jake Sandvig is an excellent match, if you wanted to find a flaw perhaps they were too much alike, but personally I found it believable. Rebecca Hall, playing Jason's sister, is the voice of sanity - but not always right. Chandler Canterbury as the young boy is wonderful - all you would want in any 12 year old but prematurely old due to his life circumstances.
Done with a beautiful subtlety and restraint, this is one of the best movies I've seen of this genre in a long time.
Could have been a good movie.
almost-angels6 June 2015
I would like to give this movie a higher rating. There were some good parts. The positive feelings toward the abandoned child were good and well expressed. The scene with the homeless lady was also good.
But the movie simply glorifies stealing. Toward the end, they even have the boy helping them steal a wallet. I would also add that it is unrealistic that two thieves could get away with the same scam (pretending to park cars for those attending funerals, then selling the vehicles) over and over and over. I really believe the movie could have been made with the plot involving some lesser moral failures... at least less than grand theft auto. That part was unrealistic. They would not have been able to pop in and out of jail so easily.
But the movie simply glorifies stealing. Toward the end, they even have the boy helping them steal a wallet. I would also add that it is unrealistic that two thieves could get away with the same scam (pretending to park cars for those attending funerals, then selling the vehicles) over and over and over. I really believe the movie could have been made with the plot involving some lesser moral failures... at least less than grand theft auto. That part was unrealistic. They would not have been able to pop in and out of jail so easily.
A fantastic accident!
hpfilmkid-919-19536014 March 2011
I showed up entirely too early to the theater for a screening at sxsw and went to see A Bag of Hammers completely by accident. The movie was fun and painful, enticing and hard to watch at some times. I was all over my seat with different emotions throughout the entire screening. The movie starts out very fun and eventually "grows up" so to speak and becomes a whole other vessel. The cast is fantastic and has supreme chemistry. I will recommend this movie to everyone I can and will go see it when it eventually opens in my home theater, just to get the experience again! The cast and director were fantastic at the screening and I can't wait to see what this fantastic group come up with next! See this movie as it tours the festivals!
Doing Good Even If I Hurts
cabcomp19 September 2014
Warning: Spoilers
Just saw this beautiful little movie about a difficult subject. I loved it! Two young adults taking on the responsibility of a young neglected boy......I should say two young adults, who's job is to steal cars, with their own set of family secrets, take on the responsibility of a neglected boy. That story seems impossibly unrealistic, but the way it unfolds makes you (the viewer) a believer. I do have a criticism, the home the boy lived in was a mess, but it didn't quite look as horribly bad as described by Melanie. However the character was on point about how terrible a life Kelsey was living in. Carrie Preston's portrayal of an overwhelmed mother, she kind of played this role before in Law and Order Criminal Intent, but this time she got to stretch and really explore the complexities of a woman on edge. Very creative to end the movie credits with more movie. So many use the outtakes as a lasting laugh, but director Brian Crano, tells more story. Thought this was brilliant!!
Quirky tragic comedy with a big heart
OJT27 March 2015
It's so great to be surprised by a film you guess is just OK, and then it turns out to be a real gem. The title is just what it is - A bag of hammers. A depiction of life when it's not on the sunny side. This film is like what Tom Waits would be, if he was a film.
Two best friends, living on the edge of the law after having a rather bad upbringing, still have both brains and hearts. They notice th little neighboring boy on 12 which has a similar upbringing they had. A smart, cute kid, which is very much neglected by his "bad mother", which is poor, out of job and depressed. One day they realize they have to take action.
The film is definitely from the shadow-side of life, and you may expect to shed more tears than laughter. Well payed by all involved, the film slowly steals your heart, and makes you think what life is all about.
The film manages to be funny as well as serious in a very rare way. The actors manage to make this both believable and rare. Recommended!
Two best friends, living on the edge of the law after having a rather bad upbringing, still have both brains and hearts. They notice th little neighboring boy on 12 which has a similar upbringing they had. A smart, cute kid, which is very much neglected by his "bad mother", which is poor, out of job and depressed. One day they realize they have to take action.
The film is definitely from the shadow-side of life, and you may expect to shed more tears than laughter. Well payed by all involved, the film slowly steals your heart, and makes you think what life is all about.
The film manages to be funny as well as serious in a very rare way. The actors manage to make this both believable and rare. Recommended!
Soo good, I really really liked the ending which ...
kaysild15 February 2013
Most movies lately have had weak endings! But not this one it was really awesome. I don't watch much TV so I usually do a lot of research I guess would be the correct term, haha, on every movie I decide to watch. And I only write a review if it was awesome or awful, this movie was worth watching. It starts off a little slow and is somewhat confusing on what exactly is going on, but not enough to annoy, just enough to want to continue watching and find out what it's about. I definitely recommend watching this, however don't go into it expecting anything out of it, just be open minded and take it for what it is and you'll enjoy it
would have given it 10 but ...............
cekadah25 August 2012
first - watch this movie! it is a must see for anyone who is a fan of independent art cinema. i was captivated from the start.
each actor pulls their role off to perfection. the plot line is compelling. and no, i do not believe the two lead characters are gay. anyone who can claim otherwise has never had a close personal friend. their relationship is based on like minds with one goal - they called it 'the plan'. until a third partner shows up and brings their conscience selves to the forefront.
why only 9 stars then? well please watch the movie and pay extra attention to the little boy in the automobile with the social services agent. was that a wish for the future by the little boy or was it flashbacks? the time line there became confusing for me. but so what! this is a marvelous film!
each actor pulls their role off to perfection. the plot line is compelling. and no, i do not believe the two lead characters are gay. anyone who can claim otherwise has never had a close personal friend. their relationship is based on like minds with one goal - they called it 'the plan'. until a third partner shows up and brings their conscience selves to the forefront.
why only 9 stars then? well please watch the movie and pay extra attention to the little boy in the automobile with the social services agent. was that a wish for the future by the little boy or was it flashbacks? the time line there became confusing for me. but so what! this is a marvelous film!
A thought provoking film (spoilers)
mathmaniac28 September 2017
Warning: Spoilers
The film deserves all ten stars. It has everything. Great acting, good plot, but the themes - oh, my, the themes!
There is friendship and the influences that tug and tear at it. Would the two men who are slacker/criminals stay together and remain the 'bros' they seem to be for life?
There is family and what makes a family. What used to be revered - the role of father - is denied by one man and assumed by two others. No one seems qualified to assume the role, not even the state providing services. But then, that is what every man who becomes a father needs to ask himself: am I good enough for this job?
There is the role of the mother. Being a biological mother with a strong love for her child, a woman fails and fails again. Ultimately, she can't cope with the repeating failure and she removes herself from the family - permanently. How a woman can feel the total responsibility on her weak shoulders is portrayed so accurately in this film, it brings tears. At one point, she asks an interviewer, 'Can you help me?' The shock is: he can't. Or he won't.
There is the role of teacher. Someone who has to go by the rules, even when he may suspect that the rules are going to not play out to the benefit of a child.
Then there is, for me the most important, what makes a stable relationship without sex? My impression was that these two men are not homosexuals and don't become homosexuals. Yet, their bond is strong enough to keep them in the project of a lifetime - raising a child to adulthood. At the very least, you hope that when a man and woman marry, they can get that far - to raise a child to be a young successful independent adult. But often don't! Even same-sex marriage suffer from the same maladies. Two friends? What are the odds that they could?
There is the resilience of the young boy. Does every young person come so well equipped? Why did he turn out to have a future NOT behind bars but with a chance at a real education? Why is the fear that the child with a background stained by tragedy is somehow less equipped to deal with bad influences, whether while growing up or when operating as an adult?
There is so much to think about having seen this movie - that it is almost TOO thought-provoking. It's a feel-good movie AND a downer movie. People are poor. Women suffer in relationships that strain their abilities to cope, and when they and children are abandoned. All too acceptable and 'normal' in today's world. There are no easy answers, not from watching this story unfold.
Yet, it is worth every second of watching!
There is friendship and the influences that tug and tear at it. Would the two men who are slacker/criminals stay together and remain the 'bros' they seem to be for life?
There is family and what makes a family. What used to be revered - the role of father - is denied by one man and assumed by two others. No one seems qualified to assume the role, not even the state providing services. But then, that is what every man who becomes a father needs to ask himself: am I good enough for this job?
There is the role of the mother. Being a biological mother with a strong love for her child, a woman fails and fails again. Ultimately, she can't cope with the repeating failure and she removes herself from the family - permanently. How a woman can feel the total responsibility on her weak shoulders is portrayed so accurately in this film, it brings tears. At one point, she asks an interviewer, 'Can you help me?' The shock is: he can't. Or he won't.
There is the role of teacher. Someone who has to go by the rules, even when he may suspect that the rules are going to not play out to the benefit of a child.
Then there is, for me the most important, what makes a stable relationship without sex? My impression was that these two men are not homosexuals and don't become homosexuals. Yet, their bond is strong enough to keep them in the project of a lifetime - raising a child to adulthood. At the very least, you hope that when a man and woman marry, they can get that far - to raise a child to be a young successful independent adult. But often don't! Even same-sex marriage suffer from the same maladies. Two friends? What are the odds that they could?
There is the resilience of the young boy. Does every young person come so well equipped? Why did he turn out to have a future NOT behind bars but with a chance at a real education? Why is the fear that the child with a background stained by tragedy is somehow less equipped to deal with bad influences, whether while growing up or when operating as an adult?
There is so much to think about having seen this movie - that it is almost TOO thought-provoking. It's a feel-good movie AND a downer movie. People are poor. Women suffer in relationships that strain their abilities to cope, and when they and children are abandoned. All too acceptable and 'normal' in today's world. There are no easy answers, not from watching this story unfold.
Yet, it is worth every second of watching!
love this movie!
aubbie_tom19 August 2019
a bag of hammers
d3afb0y19 June 2020
It is really good movie and heartly story but it is funny and i'm glad those guys are good people but in the bad way and that's life how they have to survive to take care plus looking out for street kid who was neglected by his mom. I give 10 stars.
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