Hoboken Hollow (2005)
Review by David Rupp

What would happen if you took TCM The Next Generation, mixed in elements of 2001 Maniacs? You would end up with Hoboken Hollow. The movie did have a great look, strong acting and some big names, but the plot seemed a bit too familiar.

Starring Jason Connery, C. Thomas Howell, Dennis Hopper, Robert Carradine and Dedee Pfeiffer. the story consists of a family in west Texas who picks up hitchhikers, transients and illegal immigrants for forced labor on a cedar ranch. As can be expected there is tourture, and a "beef" jerky surprise. The family in charge have their own set of laws to be upheld and punishment is extreme at best. Trevor (Connery) is an ex-military who fell on hard times and is drifting across Texas. He ends up at the ranch for work, and discovers things aren't really home, home on the range.

One thing I can say for this film is you actually get a feel for the characters, something that has gotten away from film makers lately. Their ordeal is treacerous, from being shocked with a cattle prod, to being drug by a truck on a noose. The use of lighting and sound are also really well here, lots of practical effects and no CGI.

Other than a really familiar scenario, and premise I have to say this was not too bad of a film. But if you are tired of the crazy family in a secluded area routine you may want to pass.