Add “Felon” to Val Kilmer’s extensive and exciting filmography

In a tragic story of a family man (Dorff) who goes to prison for protecting his family and home… then just tries to survive amoung the inmates, Val Kilmer reluctantly… and triumphantly comes to the rescue!

“Felon” tackles 2 tough issues – defending yourself against an invader and the often brutal and twisted world inside prisons… and does it with eye-opening intensity.

“Felon” (on DVD)

(2008) (rated: R for brutal violence, pervasive language and brief nudity) (1 hr, 40 min)

Starring: Val Kilmer, Stephen Dorff, Marisol Nichols, Harold Perrineau, Sam Shepard 

Genre: Drama/Crime/Prison

The Plot: A family man convicted of killing an intruder must cope with life afterward in the violent penal system.

MY TAKE (spoiler free):

Through Dorff’s character, we are put right in the middle of it all… as he goes through the justice system and lockups to the gripping and de-humanizing scenes inside the walls of the state prison.

In the lead role, Dorff is very good in one of his best roles (that I’ve seen) since “Blade”… taking himself and the audience through a transformation as the story unfolds.

It was no surprise that Kilmer was solid, with an excellent turn as (more…)