This is NOT your average movie. Never mind the plot line or the summary. Never mind what you expect from a cop or detective movie. Put aside what you expect from a hero-protagonist. Put aside your preconceived notions of Sean Penn's noirish directorial style. Check all your expectations at the door.
One thing you should know up front, this ain't Hollywood, kids! No neat little plot development with emotional spikes in the right places and ribbons and bows for the short-of-attention or the needy-of-emotion. Instead, you get a real gritty drama with a fresh perspective and a different kind of suspense and tension. Think a little more Hitchcock, and a lot less Kojak. Throw in dashes of Poe, Truffaut and the Twilight Zone for good measure. Throw in bright light, color, and great scenery, and this ain't your average noir mystery, neither.
Don't miss the opening credits and you might get a chance to get your expectations in order. There is nothing wrong with this movie. Do not attempt to adjust your drink holder...
As for the performances, wow! A host of luminaries fill out the bit parts, making a small movie huge. Robin Wright-Penn is excellent. But, Jack Nicholson is terrific. I mean, he's always terrific, but here he even outdoes himself in a showcase part custom-made for him. You want a little light entertainment? This is the wrong movie. You want to see a master at work? Step right up!
One thing you should know up front, this ain't Hollywood, kids! No neat little plot development with emotional spikes in the right places and ribbons and bows for the short-of-attention or the needy-of-emotion. Instead, you get a real gritty drama with a fresh perspective and a different kind of suspense and tension. Think a little more Hitchcock, and a lot less Kojak. Throw in dashes of Poe, Truffaut and the Twilight Zone for good measure. Throw in bright light, color, and great scenery, and this ain't your average noir mystery, neither.
Don't miss the opening credits and you might get a chance to get your expectations in order. There is nothing wrong with this movie. Do not attempt to adjust your drink holder...
As for the performances, wow! A host of luminaries fill out the bit parts, making a small movie huge. Robin Wright-Penn is excellent. But, Jack Nicholson is terrific. I mean, he's always terrific, but here he even outdoes himself in a showcase part custom-made for him. You want a little light entertainment? This is the wrong movie. You want to see a master at work? Step right up!