User reviews

Movie #6 in me watching every Uwe Boll movie at least once for a video essay. I took a small break since the last movie I watched and decided for my first one back I'll watch what literally JUST released, especially since the crowdfunding for the POSTAL 2 movie just went up. I do wish I could've seen it in theaters just for personal satisfaction, but I rented it on Amazon and will buy the Blu-Ray in the future.

Probably one of the more serviceable films I've watched recently. It's certainly not unwatchable, but there's some acting that just seems goofy, the whole movie feels weirdly disconnected though and it doesn't feel like some scenes really make any impact. Both main characters are genuinely insufferable for the first 2/3rds of this movie and then they suddenly start to get along. It does have some surprising emotional moments that Work. Generally I wouldn't recommend to watch it unless you're an Uwe Boll fan like me. There's a stinger for a part two eventually which I mean, sure? I'd watch it I guess.

Painfully bad. Long tracking shots for no reason. Bizarre soundtrack that seems like it was from 1980's. The acting is so stiff and the characters are so one dimensional that they are almost laughable.

It feels like it was a group project for a film class at a community college. This director and anyone associated with this film should never be allowed to work in the industry again.

How does a movie like this ever get made? Is the world this desperate for content? Because I would rather sit in an empty room in silence that actually spend time watching this movie. Yes, it is really that bad.

BTW, we stopped after 20 mins.

Uwe Bolle the writer, director and producer of this filmed watched too many bad New York City cop films, before he wrote this one. This film is full of cliches and cliched characters. I'm always leery of films where the writer, producer and director are the same person, I'm more leery when they're also the star.

The first incident that they attend, a guy with a clever has been cutting himself but he stops bleeding and the only blood is on the clever. Where is the continuity, the guy should have blood dripping from him.

The dialog is inane. Angela has diarrhea of the mouth, I'd want to get away from her too. The acting is low budget. I gave up, there are much better films I'd rather watch.

Seriously, this is the kind of movie they make these days? Listening to the first ten minutes dialog was unbelievably boring. I felt like the veteran detective must have felt listening to his new female partner's drivel. I asked myself, and he must also have wondered, is this really what I am going to have to listen to for the next hour and a half? I mean who needs this verbal diarrhea at the beginning of a day or a movie for that matter. They say that if a movie doesnt speak to you in the first 20 minutes, it's not for you & it's not going to get any better. Maybe an action movie needs to start with some action... just sayin'

Didn't expect to like it, but the movie has heart. It kept moving.

I understand the previous review's claim it was too slow, but it is a style.

Reminds me of the crime genre from yesteryear, sans the detective bent.

Would be great spun off into annual 3 or 6 episode BBC type miniseries.

Actors had good chemistry and situational dialogue was believable.

No spoilers, but I have a good iidea where the sequel is headed.

Enjoyable characters, felt like a pilot and went by fast.

With clever writing, the premise could go in many directions.

Wish I could tune back in next week.

Cross between Starsky and Hutch and Law And Order.

In a departure from high-profile blockbusters, this film presents a refreshingly grounded narrative that captivates through its sincerity and charm. The story centers on a seasoned New York detective who, despite his initial reluctance, is paired with a dynamic female officer recently transferred from Atlanta. This classic setup-where a grizzled veteran must adapt to a new partner-forms the backbone of the film's engaging plot.

While the storyline unfolds within the familiar confines of a New York detective thriller, it distinguishes itself through its focus on character development and realistic, heartfelt interactions. The film skillfully delves into the personal backgrounds of its characters, adding depth to their motivations and relationships. Although the antagonists may adhere to certain genre conventions and lack complexity, they serve their role effectively within the narrative.

Overall, the film succeeds in delivering an entertaining and emotionally resonant experience, despite its adherence to genre tropes. Its strength lies in its authentic portrayal of human connections and the understated charm of its characters, making it a worthwhile watch for those who appreciate a more nuanced approach to the detective genre.

One of those movies that probably won't have anything that really sticks with you long term but there isn't really anything egregiously bad here. Some fun scenes, and a couple interesting scenes of action. Some dialogue is quite awkward and some parts of the movie feel like the characters had no reason to do what they ended up doing but I wasn't expecting anything groundbreaking from this. Uwe Boll has made many a bad movie in his time but this is definitely on the better end of his catalogue. I think that the overly negative reviews may be in part to his notorious reputation since over the years he has attracted a vast array of trolls.

Let's talk about First Shift. It's a new cop movie that came out this year, and you know what? It's not half bad.

I mean, we've seen this story a million times before: a grizzled veteran cop gets paired up with a rookie who's fresh out of the academy. They're total opposites, but they have to work together to solve some tough cases. It's a classic formula, but First Shift manages to make it feel fresh.

The acting is solid, and the dialogues are actually pretty good. There are some funny moments, some tense moments, and some moments that will make you think. It's a well-rounded movie.

So, should you watch First Shift? If you're a fan of cop movies, then definitely give it a shot. It's not going to blow your mind, but it's a solid, enjoyable flick that's worth your time.

The like main characters a lot and a couple side characters but the storyline was odd and bizarre and not in a good way. It jumped around so much, it's almost as though they tried to put a 5 season TV series into one movie. Even the ending was more of a TV series style. The way the story jumped around and tried to link or tie them together was weird and choppy. There are some nice moments in the movie but some that made no sense at all until it sort of ties back to the main storyline and even then it was iffy. I will watch the second movie for the main characters and see if the writing improved at all.

There hasn't been a really good NYC cop film in a long time. I love the fact this film was actually filmed around the five boroughs. It has a lot of the monuments from the places I grew up in. So if you have ever lived in New York you might get a kick out of how organic everything gets portrayed - the early morning sunlight draping orange colors over the horizon. The film itself was more drama than action but never felt slow. I appreciated the human tone to this film, much more down to earth than any of Boll's other films. So ultimately I say check it out and don't judge a book by its cover. At the very least, I was surprised by the film. And I consider it endearing that Boll continues to tread on new territory in the tone and subject of his films. And I hope this diversity trend can continue so not every film he makes is about a mass murderer. A breath of fresh air in comparison to the grim nihilism of his more recent memory productions. My two cents.

The trailer looked promising though when I saw Boll as the director I had some mighty reservations but all for naught. This was a very entertaining cop movie and certainly not deserving the low score it has here. And while there a few weirdly shot scenes the movie despite as others have said being somewhat disjointed is actually well directed. The strength of the entertainment is admittedly because of the two engaging lead actors ( I've seen him in guest parts on shows and a couple of movies; her never ) and their endless entertaining banter had my wife and I laughing quite a bit. If you're a dog lover there's a small subplot that you'll definitely enjoy. The only thing missing was a good cop shootout but like most cops work lives, that doesn't happen very often. If this were a show we'd definitely be watching but suffice that they have a possible part 2 in the works or already made. Be sure to hear the fantastic music at the beginning of the end credits.

Uwe Boll's "First Shift" is not just a film; it's a cinematic revelation, a bold statement in the art of movie-making that redefines what we expect from both the director and the genre itself. Known for his controversial filmography, Boll surprises everyone with this masterpiece, which deserves a flawless 10 out of 10.

From the opening scene, "First Shift" grips you with an intensity that never lets go. The story revolves around a seasoned New York City cop, played with a gripping realism by an actor whose name should now be on everyone's lips, and his rookie partner on their first day together. What could have been a cliché setup turns into a profound exploration of duty, ethics, and human nature.

Cinematography: The visual storytelling in "First Shift" is nothing short of poetic. Each frame is meticulously composed, offering a gritty yet beautiful portrayal of the city's underbelly. The use of light and shadow not only sets the mood but tells a story of its own, reflecting the internal conflicts of the characters.

Performance: The chemistry between the lead actors is electric. They deliver performances so authentic, you forget you're watching actors. Their portrayal of friendship, conflict, and growth is nuanced, making the audience invest deeply in their journey. Supporting characters, although in the background, add layers to the narrative, making the world feel lived-in and real.

Direction: Boll, often criticized in the past, shows a maturation of his craft here. His direction is subtle where it needs to be and explosive when the story demands. The pacing is perfect, with tension and relief balanced like a finely tuned instrument.

Script: The script is tight, with dialogue that feels both natural and laden with subtext. It explores themes of morality, the weight of the badge, and the personal cost of justice in a way that's both thought-provoking and emotionally resonant.

Soundtrack: The score is minimalist but impactful, using silence as effectively as sound to heighten the emotional stakes. The sound design places you right in the heart of action, making every moment feel urgent and real.

Why 10/10? "First Shift" transcends its genre. It's not just a great cop drama; it's a great film, period. It challenges its viewers, entertains them, and leaves them pondering long after the credits roll. Uwe Boll has crafted a film that not only redeems his past works but sets a new benchmark for what he, and indeed, cinema can achieve. This movie isn't just watched; it's experienced, felt, and remembered.

In a landscape where true gems are rare, "First Shift" shines brilliantly. It's a testament to Boll's growth as a filmmaker and a powerful entry into the annals of film history that deserves every bit of its perfect score.