Set in 2008’s Braddock, Penn., the new film “Out of the Furnace” follows two blue collar brothers as they struggle with their pasts and futures. Russell Baze (Christian Bale, “The Dark Knight”) must watch as his little brother Rodney (Casey Affleck, “Gone Baby Gone”) gets drawn into a fighting ring after not being able to pay back loans, in addition to dealing with his own recent release from a stint in prison and breakup with his girlfriend Lena (Zoe Saldana, “Star Trek”). While the film smolders with amazing acting, the plot treads along at a slow pace, never bursting into flame.

The film opens over an outdoor movie theater, cars splattered over the lawn. There, the audience is introduced to the film’s villain, Harlan DeGroat (Woody Harrelson, “Zombieland”), as he abuses his girlfriend and nearly beats a man to death for trying to help her. The shocking introduction works in favor of the movie, providing for the audience a violent distaste for DeGroat. Harrelson continues the viciousness of his character throughout the film, as DeGroat mercilessly kills people who look at him “wrong” or menacingly sucks on a lollipop as he threatens torture.

The main premise of the film deals with Russell searching for Rodney, who left behind only an accidental voicemail after he was mercilessly kidnapped by DeGroat. Law enforcement, most specifically Chief Wesley Barnes (Forest Whitaker, “The Last King of Scotland”), fails to follow through, forcing Russell into a dark and dangerous position. He desperately looks for Rodney, but the prospect of revenge against De Groat constantly haunts him. Russell is also tormented by the crime that left him in jail for years – a drunk driving accident that left two people dead. Working endless hours in the steel mill upon his release helps Russell to cope, but watching his little brother slowly deteriorate with anger becomes almost too much to handle.

“Out of the Furnace” was created in a similar style to that of “Winter’s Bone,” filled with short dialogue-less scenes and centered around blue collar workers, drugs and a missing family member. While the excellent choreography decisions and art house-like presentation of “Winter’s Bone” contributed heavily to the suspense-filled plot development, these elements fail to do so in “Out of the Furnace.” Each small scene of the former had a distinct and direct purpose, yet in the latter, needless short scenes were added that did not have a succinct and clear purpose.

With such an all-star cast, it is surprising that the film fails to captivate viewers. The acting is the most redeemable quality of the film, with stellar performances from Bale, Harrelson and Affleck. [I love Casey Affleck]Yet many of the other famous actors in “Out of the Furnace” fail to get the screen time they deserve, such as Saldana. Her character is barely developed throughout the film, acting merely as a trope between Bale and Whitaker’s characters. The only plot development she receives is a heartfelt scene between her character and Russell as he attempts to win her back. Yet even then, the scene is about Russell’s reaction, not her own.

“Out of the Furnace” had a phenomenal amount of potential, but it fell short of expectations with the lack of direction in the first hour of the film. Its interesting cinematographical choices provide an aesthetically pleasing vibe to the viewers, but many of the shots are unnecessary and draw away from character and plot development. The superb acting in the film would be reason enough to see it, but if one is looking for a positive and festive film or a well-thought-out piece of cinema this holiday season, “Out of the Furnace” is probably not the best choice.