Usually, films from Eastern Europe are the surest way to bring about my mad dash for a steep cliff. But in the case of this Hungarian entry from first time director Nimrod Antal (yes, his real name), I was given more than enough reason to remain seated. In fact, I actually enjoyed myself. Unlike most films from that region, Kontroll is packed with a pulse-pounding energy, both in terms of the action and the musical selections. Filmed entirely in the Budapest subway system, the film concerns a group of workers who must deal with a murderous "spirit," a humorless supervisor, and violent passengers who simply refuse to buy tickets. While dark and somber in many ways, there's also a sly wit to be found, which makes it a fun ride and not simply a preachy parable about post-Communist chaos. I saw this film as the last screening on a Sunday night, which was flirting with danger (as my heavy eyes would not abide the static imagery of the former Warsaw Pact nations), but stay awake I did, much to my joyful surprise.