For the acting performances alone, particularly Gene Hackman's and John Cusack's (oh that gleam in his eye), this film is worth the time - not to mention the surprise twist at the end.
I'm personally disappointed that the critics fell over themselves for MYSTIC RIVER and LOST IN TRANSLATION - throwing away an enjoyable, extremely well-done and compelling film (except for some southern accents gone astray).
To mix apples and oranges (good acting is a passion of mine) - Tim Robbins in MYSTIC RIVER deserves an academy nod for his compelling & complex performance although I'm afraid that Sean Penn will get the attention for his more showy, over-the-top role (did anyone notice that the only truly fully developed character was Tim Robbins' while we (I) needed more insight into Sean Penn's character & much more insight into Kevin Bacon's (Clint Eastwood clone?)detective who seems to communicate best by ESP (with his ex-wife that is).
Compliments to Bill Murray for his sympathetic role in LOST IN TRANSLATION (although I personally found the "bored" characters boring). And, although I think IN THE CUT was a waste of an afternoon (did the book's writer read anything after "Looking For Mr. Goodbar?"), Meg Ryan was superb as the sexually perverse teacher.
Here's to the movies. I love them, notwithstanding my reaction to any individual effort. Can't wait til next week!
I'm personally disappointed that the critics fell over themselves for MYSTIC RIVER and LOST IN TRANSLATION - throwing away an enjoyable, extremely well-done and compelling film (except for some southern accents gone astray).
To mix apples and oranges (good acting is a passion of mine) - Tim Robbins in MYSTIC RIVER deserves an academy nod for his compelling & complex performance although I'm afraid that Sean Penn will get the attention for his more showy, over-the-top role (did anyone notice that the only truly fully developed character was Tim Robbins' while we (I) needed more insight into Sean Penn's character & much more insight into Kevin Bacon's (Clint Eastwood clone?)detective who seems to communicate best by ESP (with his ex-wife that is).
Compliments to Bill Murray for his sympathetic role in LOST IN TRANSLATION (although I personally found the "bored" characters boring). And, although I think IN THE CUT was a waste of an afternoon (did the book's writer read anything after "Looking For Mr. Goodbar?"), Meg Ryan was superb as the sexually perverse teacher.
Here's to the movies. I love them, notwithstanding my reaction to any individual effort. Can't wait til next week!