| Overall Grade: |
A+ |
|
| Story: |
A+ |
|
|
| Acting: |
A+ |
|
|
| Direction: |
A+ |
|
|
| Visuals: |
A- |
|
|
An actor's review of Mystic River
by A.J. (movies profile)
Apr 4, 2008
465
of
543 people found this review helpful
The cast-list alone should let you know that you're in for something special when you walk into the theater. And if that doesn't, the fact that Clint Eastwood has NEVER been better directing a film should do it.
I absolutely loved thim film. It's not one that I will see over and over and over, because it's simply not that type of movie.
When the final image flickers off the screen, and DIRECTED BY CLINT EASTWOOD comes up, the audience doesn't know whether to clap, cry, or simply stare in awe in their seats. How about all 3?
Cast first:
Sean Penn gives his best performance since Dead Man Walking. His pent-up rage throughout the movie is breathtaking to watch, and his emotional scenes crying for the loss of his daughter are even more breathtaking.
Tim Robbins plays the role of his career. Opposite Penn's visible rage, Robbins creates a character that keeps you guessing till the very end, dealing with so many inner demons that it's hard to tell where he will take you next.
Kevin Bacon gives a great performance, probably one of, if not THE BEST of his career.
Laurence Fishburne, while not talked about so much by the critics, is absolutely vital to the success of Bacon's character. His quick witted lines and stern character are perfectly filled.
Marcia Gay Harden gives another Oscar-worthy performance as Robbins' wife, confused and frightened with the possibilities that her husband may be a killer.
Laura Linney keeps quiet for most of the movie, however her scenes are very powerful, especially when she meets Sean Penn in the morgue, and when she initiates a sexual encounter (not seen) between her and Penn near the end of the film.
Clint Eastwood has come full circle, and now he is at the top of his game. After flops like "Blood Work", it's good to see the legend recreating a story with so much power, and yet so much grace.
Altogether, I give this film a resounding 2 thumbs up, or 4 stars, if you prefer that rating.
Academy Award Nomination Predictions: 7 nods
Best Picture
Best Director (Clint Eastwood)
Best Actor (Sean Penn)
Best Supporting Actor (Tim Robbins)
Best Supporting Actress (Marcia Gay Harden)
Best Supporting Actress (Laura Linney)
Best Adapted Screenplay |
My Public Profile 
