Searchers 2.0

Alex Cox has been MIA from Hollywood proper since helming the brilliant Sid & Nancy (1986) and the critical and commercial flop Walker (1987). But he's still working—not too far outside the mainstream—making personal, micro-budget films. Searchers 2.0 revolves around two former child actors, Mel Torres and Fred Fletcher (portrayed as adults by Del Zamora and Ed Pansullo), who meet up unexpectedly and while reminiscing discover a common painful incident from their youth involving a sadistic screenwriter named Fritz Frobisher (Sy Richardson). When the pair learn that Frobisher will be appearing nearby for a career tribute, they decide to confront him. Thus begins a bizarre road trip that's half spaghetti western, half superb industry satire. Cox is clearly cleaning out his sour suggestion box of what ails modern cinema, and his assorted crazed characters deliver his rants with humor and heart. Some may feel lost with the rapid-fire homages to films past (including the title-checked John Wayne classic), but many will be rewarded by this warm and witty ride. Highly recommended. (B. Gibron)