Plot
Two joyriders Jesse and Sam discover something hidden in the back seat of the car that could change their lives forever...

Release Year: 2011

Rating: 4.6/10 (423 voted)

Director: Justin Donnelly

Stars: Luke Goss, Tyler Johnston, Michael Eklund

Storyline
Two joyriders Jesse and Sam discover something hidden in the back seat of the car that could change their lives forever. Brian, unknown to Jesse and Sam, is desperately trying to seek a "quick fix" business deal that will put him back on top financially after being let go from his executive position at one of the top investment firms. Brian decides to go "all in", investing the rest of his savings into a short-term drug deal. After Jesse and Sam intercept the illicit drug money, they soon learn that they've stolen from the wrong people. A twisted tale of greed, deceit, murder and wealth, PRESSED is an action-drama feature where three relationships collide. It changes lives, some of them for good.

Writers: Justin Donnelly, Christopher Donaldson

Cast:
Luke Goss - Brian
Tyler Johnston - Jesse
Michael Eklund - Jimmy
Jeffrey Ballard - Sam
Craig Stanghetta - Joey 'The Boss'
Andrew Hedge - Officer Black
Michelle Brezinski - Lynn - Jesse's mom
R. Cameron Gordon - Chuck
Erica Carroll - Leanne
Ethan Sawyer - Brian's Son
Destinee Dunkin-Klyne - Tara (as Destinee Klyne)
Chris Ippolito - Gus
Tanya Champoux - Brian's Mom
Justin Koren - Young Brian
Debbie Cameron - Tow Yard Receptionist

Official Website: Official site |

Release Date: 3 Jan 2011

Filming Locations: Kelowna, British Columbia, Canada

Box Office Details

Budget: $CAD3,200,000 (estimated)

Not too bad, but also not worth sitting through

Rating: 4/10

Regular people get themselves into trouble by making poor decisions that snowball, with tragic consequences. Think "Go" without the fun, or a somewhat less intense "Requiem for a Dream"; though not nearly as inspired as either of those.

Relative unknown Tyler Johnston is effectively brooding as a troubled teen whose bad luck intersects with that of seasoned lead Luke Goss, who does an adequate enough job as the adult counterpart. Michael Eklund deserves the most credit for his small but expertly-detailed part as the catalyst (I can't wait to see him in something bigger).

The premise is somewhat original, with well-written dialog, but the story ends up less compelling than the slight potential felt in the beginning. Unlike the good examples from this genre, there's little to no great memorable truth, lesson, or even a poignant moment, really, to emerge from the characters' messes that might give you a reason to be glad you watched. Some editing missteps also cause the movie to drag too often.

They were going for pure tragedy, but didn't realize that a good tragic story still needs entertaining hooks. This movie maintains a rather homogeneous tension level from beginning to end, which gets old and ends up feeling more like a flatline.

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