Harsh Times

it made several scenes dull and almost "corny".....So once again Bale has worked his odd magic.The supporting cast showed up ready to boost Bale's character and they were all fine..... ... Full Review

it made several scenes dull and almost "corny".....So once again Bale has worked his odd magic..... ... Full Review

While it isnt as good as I had hoped, the film does manage to tell an interesting story, and features an intense performance from Christian Bale. Harsh Times is described as an explosive ride on the mean streets of south central Los Angeles, but comes across as a chaotic film that never fully works. ... Full Review

director David Ayer's (best known for scripting 2001's "Training Day") "Harsh Times" is raw pulp entertainment masquerading as a personal film....the movie's shortcomings....a better film....The ill-tempered and unstable Jim aspires to join the Los Angeles police department, a move that will also allow him to marry his girlfriend, Marta....the silly melodrama.... ... Full Review

Harsh Times is most often messy and aggressive: its yellowish light is abrasive, its handheld mobility and fast cuts insistent. The movie is full of such moments, when the boys look about to be busted, but a quick turn of fortune repays their stupidity. ... Full Review

There are a lot more emotional lows in the movie than there are highs. While the film has its share of high drama and tension, it is a bit disappointing that we never really get below the surface of Jim Davis. ... Full Review

Harsh Times" is the directorial debut of David Ayer , who wrote its screenplay a decade ago, before his script for "Training Day," which tells a similar story about a weakling under a bad influence. He goes into an immediate tailspin, dragging his best friend, Mike Alvarez ( Freddy Rodriguez ) with him. ... Full Review

While that may sound like the perfect setup for a comedy movie worthy of the Van Wilder label, this is meant to be a serious film. Christian Bale, as always, offers an amazing performance, as do many of his fellow cast members. ... Full Review

Harsh Times" certainly wins points for being a vivid evocation of Los Angeles criminal life; I only wish Ayer had stuck with the almost improvisational feeling of the film's midsection for the whole shebang. The gritty tale of corruption and ludicrous street justice put Ayer on the Hollywood map, so it's hard to blame the guy for trying to recreate the same magic in his directorial debut, "Harsh Times. ... Full Review

Unpleasantly grim and often nasty just to be nasty, writer-director David Ayer's "Harsh Times" is more an ordeal than a movie. The action is ugly enough when Jim and Mike are just pulling petty crimes and kid stuff. ... Full Review