2:22

2:22 is a compelling crime-drama movie that was released in the year 2008. It is directed by Phillip Guzman and co-written by Mick Rossi and Phillip Guzman. This tense noir-styled thriller stars Mick Rossi, Robert Miano, and Aaron Gallagher among others in a fast-paced, relentlessly building narrative that never loosens its grip on its audience.

The plot unfolds over one night and is intricately woven around a failed heist attempted by four professional thieves. These thieves, led by the determined and shrewd Gulliver Mercer, played by Mick Rossi, target a wealthy upmarket apartment block known as "2:22". The team believes that their detailed plan accounts for every contingency, but they soon discover that they've grossly underestimated the complexity and danger of their task. Unforeseen circumstances and unexpected twists leave them trapped inside, setting the stage for a suspense-filled drama.

Mick Rossi delivers an outstanding lead performance as Gulliver, whose initial aura of calm control unravels as the night wears on and things spiral beyond his control. Rossi portrays the role with conviction and engaging intensity, driving the plot forward from beginning to end.

Robert Miano plays the role of Willy, an old-school thief with a barely controlled violent streak who sees the world in stark terms of black and white, right and wrong. His characterization adds a potent ingredient to the explosive mix that is 2:22. Aaron Gallagher, on the other hand, puts forth an impressive performance as Finn, the group's muscle, effectively counterbalancing the fragile calmness maintained by the group's leader.

The movie gets its name from the very building that forms its backdrop, and over the course of the movie, 2:22 becomes more than just a setting. It evolves into an impassive character of its own, dominating and influencing the course of events in the plot, with its vast, impersonal spaces and cold, elegant style contributing to the unsparing, sinister atmosphere that pervades the night's events.

Every moment in the movie 2:22 is loaded with suspense and tension. Strategically placed flashbacks provide a deeper understanding of the characters and their motivations, while the claustrophobic confines of the upscale building incrementally ratchets up the tension.

The film's narrative style is appealing in its non-linear approach and intelligently guides the viewer through the storyline. The transitions between different plot threads are incredibly smooth, a testament to the superb editing and the overall excellent technical delivery of the movie. The cinematography, by Richard Vialet, is fantastic as it brilliantly captures the confined, luxurious atmosphere of the building and reflects the mounting tension of the unfolding events.

2:22 successfully combines elements of thriller, crime, and drama genres, and despite its focus on the psychological trauma the characters undergo, it does not shy away from depicting violence where it's needed. The resultant product is an intense and satisfying crime drama that explores the darkest recesses of human nature, revealing what people can do when cornered.

The movie also boasts a stellar supporting cast, including Peter Dobson, Sile Bermingham, and Val Kilmer, whose performances greatly contribute to the immersive environment and multi-faceted narrative.

Ultimately, 2:22 is a hard-boiled, intensively gripping crime thriller that confidently twines moments of dark comedy with an exploration of human nature under extreme pressure. It is a movie that will keep you on the edge of your seat, filled with well-paced suspense, strong performances, and an underlying vein of psychological exploration that sets it apart from other members of the genre.