Although official critics seemed generally (and I feel absurdly) rate the movie down, Indiewire gives a higher rating and the most accurate review by far.
Timberlake is fab to watch... and contrary to what some of the critics say, he's a very strong central character. I'm not an ex con but can completely see how you might feel very protective of a character like Sam. The acting from all the characters is very involving and believable. The plot is short, and perhaps a little too simple... and unfortunately not so realistic... and actually, although some say it was predictable , it's perhaps easy to say that after the fact. I couldn't help feeling very relieved it finished the way it did! Had it gone another way (which was just as likely ) it would have been a sad movie. As it was it was a great relief. Yet again , the critics are out of touch with what actually makes a film enjoyable/ entertaining. The same people rate Taxi Driver or Jackie Brown so highly, yet neither will stir emotions and inevitably end up boring. Sure the acting and filming is quirky, and the stories are lovely and complex. But are they really that entertaining? It's just high art... which I love by the way, but it's got to entertain too. Pulp Fiction for example - high art AND very entertaining.
Review of Palmer
