FILM REVIEWS
Winner of seven film Awards, including "BEST SCREENPLAY", "BEST CINEMATOGRAPHY", "BEST EDITING", and "BEST
FEATURE FILM" Award, DEUCE OF SPADES has established itself as a "Landmark in independent filmmaking", a
"Masterpiece" that will withstand the test of time.
Whether male or female, young or old, all audiences have embraced this timeless cult classic.
With a hardcore fan base spanning the four corners of the globe, this is the hotrod film the critics are raving about.
follow us
contact filmmaker
"Years ago I fell in love with the work of artist Tom Fritz for his stunning use of form and light, and
because he catches the essence of hot rod spirit in images of cars racing across desert basins. Deuce
of Spades amazed me as the motion picture embodiment of Tom Fritz' art, a spiritual experience of
beauty, freedom and raw power.
The romance in Deuce of Spades is not limited to that between guys (and girls) and their cars, but also
about a love affair interrupted by circumstance, and a woman's quest to bring that affair to fulfillment.
The photography is a knock-out, and the actors, plot and dialog are all solid and convincing. I seldom
buy a feature film, but this is one I am enjoying over and over."
- Phill Laursen
"Faith Granger made a masterpiece... Through an astonishing plot and compelling
cinematography, the movie is really able to convey the true, old and deep feelings
between some men and some cars, from start to end... And the end is fantastic!"
"Deuce of Spades was by far the best movie I saw in 2010 and although I'm not a member of the Academy,
it gets my nod for the Oscar as best picture of 2010! Set against the backdrop of the early 1950's,
Deuce of Spades whisks you away into the very heart and soul of classic hot rodding. More than just lots
of very cool cars, and believe me, there is a veritable sea of timeless classics, at its core, Deuce of Spades
is a powerful and moving love story. Woven into the colorful tapestry of swing dancing, vintage rock 'n' roll,
saddle shoes, and fast cars, this movie goes straight for your heartstrings and doesn't let go. Hang on tight
'cause you're right along for the ride with Johnny Callaway, (wonderfully played by Timothy Luke) and his
Deuce of Spades.
Faith Granger has created something truly magical that will stand for years to come as a landmark in
independent cinema. There's an honesty and passion which comes through and the only thing which
touches me more than the story portrayed in the movie is the story behind its brilliantly gifted creator."
- Craig Bowman
"An incredible movie/experience… My wife Brenda, Joe, Angie and me were all blown away with the story,
acting, twists, the emotion and on and on. I definitely will tell my friends and family about it and what
they missed today. The cars, the bands, the people… a great experience. Truthfully, I expected we would
see the movie, check out the cars and get on with daily life in Fillmore. We got there at 11:30am and
stayed all day and into the evening… "
- Dave Crocket - President Fillmore Chamber of Commerce.
"Faith, what an outstanding outcome for your film. Congratulations. I really thought the film is
terrific."
- Ray Brown, Fillmore Film Commission.
"This is a very complex film. It went against every stereotype I knew of. It certainly wasn't a
typical Hollywood, prepackaged and stale copy of the standard work. This film will have great
cross-over appeal. There are only a few movies that I enjoy seeing over and over again. Deuce of
Spades is so full of meaning that I could watch this movie over and over again and still find
something fresh.(...) It is riveting and unforgettable. Deuce of Spades isn't an easy film to review
and it often is a hard film to watch; exactly the kinds of films that over time become a cult
favorite."
- Richard Parks, son of Wally Parks, founder of the NHRA.
"I thoroughly enjoyed watching the film from beginning to end. I teared up at least three times.
It has just the right amount of drama, humor, tragedy, excitement, despair, and redemption.
What the filmmaker has accomplished is nothing short of amazing! I've seen many films, studio
blockbusters and independents, and I must say that this exceeds the expectations of an
independent film, although it has elements of an independent, it is exceptionally unique in it's
story, presentation and cinematography.
After seeing it, I'm actually having dreams of scenes from the movie now!"
- Robert Eldon, Filmmaker
"There is a level of genius in this production! The lighting, composition, ingenuity and creativity
are as good as I have seen in 25 years of producing films and television. Especially the period
scenes. The film captured the 50's and hot rod scene. (...) The director had some brilliant ideas
that succeeded on film. Bravo. The story is well thought out, the direction is strong, and the
casting was very successful. I believe Faith Granger will have success with this film and the films
to follow. Her directing career is off to a great start."
- Oak O'Connor
Sr. Director, Production and Programming
GoTV Networks & Studio
"Following the press releases since the beginning, the movie was all I hoped it to be... And more!
"
- Jerry Kennedy, National Street Rod Association
"Deuce of Spades is a hand crafted piece of art. This is a car movie, but it actually has character
development, a plot, high craftsmanship, and a meaningful message which will extend its appeal
far beyond the typical car movie crowd.
All the characters in this movie are fully three dimensional characters that evolve and change
before the audience's eyes. They do not fall into the stereotypical categories associated with
many movie characters, and show true real-life emotion, strength, and weakness. The well
thought out plot keeps the audience emotionally involved with all of the characters, while giving
both the character and audience room to grow. All while the plot twists create a true need to
understand the characters and know the truth about the Deuce.
The quality of Deuce of Spades is also fantastic. The cinematography is very nicely done; using
lots of natural light that helps showcase all of the stars of this film, including the cars. The
scenery and locations are also well chosen, and add a realistic back drop for story development.
All the vehicles were period correct and added realism to the story. I personally like the use of
the TRI fives, 1955, 1956, 1957 Chevrolets, as a way to mark the passage of time.
This movie will naturally mean something different to each and every person who sees it, but it
does get many messages across relating to the essence and feelings of love, rebellion, pride,
passion, fear, and destiny. It is these messages along with the powerful emotions of the
characters and decent acting that sets this film apart.
Deuce of Spades is much better than most of the movies put out by Hollywood, and stays with
you long after the credits have finished. The meaningful feelings that this movie impresses upon
an individual should be done by all Hollywood movies. Simply put; most other movies get their
doors blown off by the Deuce of Spades."
- Michael Guido
"DEUCE OF SPADES reminded me of why I love hotrodding. There's is nothing more to say but...
It is perfect in everyway. Amazing... It truly touched my heart..."
- Jake Ciciarelli, hotrodder
"If Someone would ask me what I thought of the movie in one word I would say "AWESOME!!
For Granger to go from not working in the Movie or TV industry and have this in 4 short years is
nothing short of Aww inspiring. Her determination and relentless pursuit of knowledge both for
her roadster maintenance and filmmaking is the stuff legends in both worlds are made of.
The movie was Photographed beautifully, Edited Superbly and the Sound design and soundtrack
are period perfect!!
It is a Standard Hollywood movie. There is no incling at all of anything amateur. The movie is
entertaining at all times. There is no LULL in the picture, the story continues to hold your
attention throughout the film. Not a boring moment. The effects on the roadster flip over were
excellent!!. Faith Granger has really got a great film there. The Sky is the limit!!
The sad moments when Bettie gets the letter from Johnny at the book signing was very
emotional, I got teary eyed! It's a great film!!
- Osvaldo Silvera, Filmmaker
"A fantastic, retro, timeless master piece. I bought a copy of the film and have watched it three times.
It is FANTASTIC! Well edited, superb acting and great directing"
- Eric Vigil, photographer
" You did not just touch my heart, you went straight through it! Growing up in Sweden on
American Graffiti and dreams of the 50´s I have seen just about every movie ever made that
included any of that, and this movie of yours is the best one I have ever seen.
Thank You so very much for fighting for your dream, it was well worth it and you will inspire
many, many people. This movie will be known forever as one of the big ones, and frankly, I think
you just started an avalanche."
- Peter Place, classic car collector / trader
"This is an Oscar movie! The love story is even better then the movie "The Notebook"
- Crystal Dossett
"Bonjour Faith.
Je ne sais comment commencer, car tant d'émotions me bouleversent après la vision de ton film!
Quel bhoneur de regarder DEUCE OF SPADE, il y avait bien lontemps que je n'avais pas vu un film de
cette qualité, écrie, réalisé, produit et joué par toi; quel justesse. Je dis chapeaux bas, tour de force
incroyable. Si je n'habitais pas de l'autre coté de l'atlantique j'aurais adoré participé à la réalisation de
ce film même comme simple aide de camps.
DEUCE OF SPADE respire la sincérité et la noblesse d'âme, l'esprit du hot roding est là dans tout ce qu'il
y a de plus grand. Car c'est bien la le secret, l'esprit, l'âme. C'est à peine croyable,on pourrais presque
palper les émotions, cette alchimie presque magique qui relie quatre destins à une machine, le DEUCE
OF SPADE, prolongement de l'âme à la matière.
Ton film touche la perfection, amour, foi, bonté d'âme, noblesse, courage, passion, ténacité.
Une belle leçon de vie."
- Alexandre Chatelle - FRANCE
" Truly a work of diligence & hard work! All photography was at its best, all scenes were of great
quality, and the filmmaker was adamant on keeping the period of props very close to reality.(...)
All the actors did a superb job (...) "Good job"!
- Don Thomas, LA ROADSTERS
"All I can say is ... Faith Granger has created a timeless masterpiece.
The hot rod culture, the meticulous attention to period detail, the characters, the story, the
beautiful cinematography, the music, the whole package: I don’t think I’m going over the edge
when I say I had flashes of Bergman and Wells watching Deuce of Spades. DEUCE OF SPADES
gets even better with each viewing and it's artistry is a pleasure to experience!
Granger put Hollywood studios to shame. If there is any justice, she will have a great future in
film."
- Kevin Bishop - CANADA
"Great movie! There wasn't a dry eye in the house!"
- Ron Main, SIDEWINDERS President.
"Deuce Of Spades is powerful and compelling"
- Dave Mann, Land Speed racer.
"An absolutely wonderful film!"
- Bob Fanucchi.
"Wow! I am so impressed and amazed by this film.
It is truly a beautiful piece, an accomplishment. "
- Harriette Middleton
"The movie was great! I loved all of it - There should be more movies like this! "
- Debbie, Spectator.
" I was so moved by this movie that it’s been 5 days and I can’t stop thinking
or talking about it. The storyline truly had something for everybody."
- Wendy Reese, spectator.
"Since seeing the film, my dad has spoken of nothing else. He has not been able to sleep!
He loved it!! I thought it was great myself, I was very impressed."
- Lindy Reilley, car collector.
"Great story, strong presentation and a beautiful portrayal of the 50s, the decade in which many
of us "grew up", myself included. Granger has done a fabulous job, a true labor of love and we
are all the richer for it."
- Tom Potter, car owner.
“As a highly original independent film DEUCE OF SPADES stands out proudly from the pack, but
as a very first feature from a brand new, self-taught director who’s learned literally EVERYTHING
she knows on the job, it is simply unparalleled. This film and the story behind its creation are
extraordinary, and nothing this filmmaker accomplishes in the future will surprise me; she’s that
good.”
- Brendan Davis, Producer (DEADGIRL, ROUGH HUSTLE)
"The ride was long , but after seeing the film my ride meant nothing. I am very grateful that
Faith Granger came up with such a fantastic film. Timothy Luke and the others did a very
awesome job. I was not aware that he was the main guy in the film when he shook my hand at
the Premiere. DEUCE OF SPADES is a great, wonderful movie that has delivered color in this
black and white world. "
- Sir Spencer Simon, car owner
"Outstanding film!! I lived much of that era and Granger nailed it !!! After it ended I just had to
sit a while. It was **that** good."
- Frank Melbourne, FL
"I have never seen a TRULY independent movie that is set on a time period done so well, let
alone by a first time filmmaker. Faith Granger has really proven herself to be very talented and I
can't wait to see what she tackles next. Although this is not a big budget film, the story is solid
and the ability to extract emotion from the audience is as powerful as many of today's Hollywood
movies. This is a gem for sure and if nothing else, the story of how it was made will inspire
artists throughout the world to pursue their dreams and create."
- Luis Sinibaldi, Producer.
"I came to the premiere on Sunday with high expectations for seeing a true 50's hot rod movie.
My expectations were certainly met but I had not expected to be taken on an emotional roller
coaster; it's rare that I cry in a movie but the film got to me."
- Les Bateman
"I can't stop thinking about this film, and the more I read about the process, the more
impressed I become. Then I saw the picture of Faith and her camera... OMG.... That was P2??? I
shoot P2 for NBC and it sure the hell never looked like that!! WOW. I'm stunned."
- Lori Bentley Law, photographer.
"That was such an incredible experience yesterday at the premiere... The movie was fabulous,
the event, spectacular and the cast was so nice and all were so reachable/touchable to the
FANS!! "
- Sue and Steve Smashey
"I loved it!!! What a sexy film and I loved the cars, all of them! The film choked me up a bit:
That never happens to me. The ending was very powerful and profound. It still moves me
thinking about it!"
- David Gallentine
"I can't stop thinking about this film, and the more I read about the process, the more
impressed I become. Then I saw the picture of Faith and her camera... OMG.... That was P2??? I
shoot P2 for NBC and it sure the hell never looked like that!! WOW. I'm stunned."
- Lori Bentley Law, photographer.
"Faith Granger's Deuce of Spades is an incredible accomplishment of dedication, grit and talent.
The cars, the clothes, the dancing and the environment she has created are so authentic that
you are transported to another time. But Deuce of Spades is not just for hot rodders! It is a
celebration of the cars and hotrodders of that era yes, but it is much more than that. It is a love
story that grabs your heart while the beautifully filmed scenes mesmerize your eyes. Newcomer
Timothy Luke, is an exciting star...ala James Dean. Very impressive first film. A must see!"
- C. Campbell
"I must say I was lucky enough to be at the Test Screening of DEUCE OF SPADES. I was
engrossed right from the beginning of the movie and up till the very end. It touched my heart
and brought back my youth once again. The sound designs were mysterious and enchanting. The
storyline was so real, I could relate my own life to it. The dialogues and actors were right on as if
it were the fifties all over again. I have many adjectives to describe DEUCE OF SPADES but for
now I'll just say it was AWESOME!....I can't wait to see it again."
- Sam Stray
"Loved the film ... Loved all of it... The characters... I feel that is where the movie gets it life...
The attention to period detail is on the money.. When all is said and done you really do have a
winner and reading what you went through to get it done is amazing.. Great film!! Enjoy your
victory. You earned it..."
- Bobby Champagne
" An extremely well done and great movie "
- David P. Donaldson, MFA
"The use of lighting is sheer emotion, the story comes through loud and clear... I have never
been so moved by anyone's work like that."
- Mike S.
" I was impressed by everything: Performances, how the story came together, photography, etc.
You should be proud."
- Terry Starling
"DEUCE OF SPADES really really rocked the audience in a huge way. Never have I witnessed
such a large crowd riveted to their seats. Hardly anybody even moved in their chairs an inch!
The film was a huge success. It comes straight from the heart and the integrity of the filmmaker
is very obvious. An amazing heartfelt major contribution to all of us who lived the era..."
- Johnny Clay
"Haven't been able to get this movie out of my head since I saw it last night"
- Henry D. Jones
"Caught the film in Daytona last night... I think Faith Granger has a winner on her hands! The
audience reaction was very positive, and everyone seemed to enjoy it."
- Bud Pyle
"A very good movie!"
- Linda DeMarco
" Excellent film, well done. (...) One thousand percent better than we would have ever
expected from a private movie producer. It was a privilege to be there at the screening."
- Gary Gross
" Saw the screening premiere of Deuce of Spades in Daytona. Loved the whole concept. Story
line was really great. Music fit very well. Will definitely see it again. I was expecting a different
ending so I was surprised in the end. I have told all my hotrod and non hotrod friends about this
film!"
- Pat Gross
"Fantastic job! The camera work was sweet. The wide shots on the flats during magic hour
were stunning. I love that stuff."
- R.T, Independent Filmmaker
"Awesome art piece! Incredible sense of style and emotion..."
- Jan Müller
"Just wanted to say a big "Thank You" and what a fantastic job on your movie. My son
purchased it for me last x-mas, and I have to say it was well worth the wait. My wife Paula and
two boys Frankie and Gabe just finished watching it. I think I'm going for a ride in my roadster!!!
Once again "GREAT JOB" "
- Frank Tamayo
"Deuce of Spades is a great movie! Wonderful acting, directing and incredible detail! This movie
is actually better than American Graffiti! It is a real winner! Love it and we are looking forward to
seeing it again!"
- Roberta & Jerry Morford
"My wife and I were blown away by the quality and the story of this movie. We have not seen
a better movie come from the big studios and we hope the filmmaker gets the recognition they
so richly deserve."
- Steve and Carol Rutherford
"You nailed it girl. I'm an old gear head, drag racer, hot rodder. Just growing old, not up. This
is the first time i've watched a love story from start to finish. Thanks for bringing me down
memory lane. Only the best is coming your way."
- Bobby T.
"Two thumbs way up on the film!"
- Jeffery Haas, filmmaker.
"Just finished watching the movie. WOW! Great hot rods, perfect casting, locations and real hot
rodders at the lakes. Period perfect and tells a story which really could have happened. Very well
written and photographed. A great hot rod movie and love story. (Yes I shed a few tears)."
- Dave Moren
"This movie is beautiful!! I received my copy today and immediately put in in to watch. All I can
say is WOW! If real men don't cry then I guess I'm not real because I did at the end of the film.
Thank you for giving the world this movie."
- Devin Cary
"What a fantastic film! This is so much better than so many of the big buck Hollywood garbage
films that come out! Loved the story, loved the music, just loved the film."
- Gary Swiatowy
"Wow! What a great movie. Faith Granger hit it out of the park. Looks like the stage is set for a
great career for her - in writing, directing, filming, acting, and music. Looking forward to her
next piece."
- Dan Knopp
"This is really hard for me to write, I'm such a jumble of emotions right now after watching DOS, I'll
just say that I LOVED EVERYTHING about it !!! In St. Paul, Minnesota where I live I was in a Car Club
called "The Jokers Wild" I just wanted to say how this movie brought back so many of my own car
club memories....I never had a second chance. I can see why Faith Granger turned down major studio
backing, she did it her way and did it right, they would have wrecked it."
- Paul Busta
"This movie is beautiful!! I received my copy today and immediately put in in to watch. All I can
say is WOW! If real men don't cry then I guess I'm not real because I did at the end of the film.
Thank you for giving the world this movie."
- Devin Cary
"The film is AWESOME!”
- Michael Wittman
"I am blown away! I loved that Deuce! Well worth the waiting!"
- Fredrik Holmlund, Sweden
"I received my copies of Deuce of Spades this evening (literally delivered by the postman at 8:30 PM),
as well as my signed poster. I couldn’t wait to watch the movie. It’s now about 1:20 AM, I watched
the movie, the extra features, and director’s commentary all in one sitting!
The movie was awesome and amazing. It touched every emotion… You cannot watch this movie
without laughing and crying. Faith Granger's ability to blend a timeless love story with a hot rod
theme was really thrilling to watch. Her care in making sure everything was historically accurate was
readily apparent and is a testimony to her dedication to the project. She is truly a gifted artist."
- Mike Drennan
"Deuce Of Spades is one of those films which can be enjoyed repeatedly, due in great part to the
filming style, the scenery, and the music. I can just coast with it, letting it carry me along for a
ride. There were no hot rods around where I grew up so watching this film is "the next best
thing to being there" as Ma Bell used to say."
- Richard Hobbard, CA
"The movie is FANTASTIC! The 2 hours went by like 5 minutes. This is going to be a huge success."
- John Holden
"AWESOME. This is a great hot rod epic! What a great movie. Well done, great photography and
we loved the story line and the presentation. This was even better than the trailers let on!"
- Butch Chaffer
>> NEXT PAGE