The best film I've seen in quite a few years

Rating: 9/10 (17 January 2002)

In these times of weak screenplays, below average direction, and sub-par acting it is refreshing to know some movies can still impress and inspire me. I have seen "A Beautiful Mind" twice already and was mind boggled by the power and quality of Russell Crowe's portrayal of the brilliant and troubled John Nash Jr. His performance ranks right up there with the other performers who portrayed troubled or disabled individuals, most notably Jack Nicholson in "One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest", Dustin Hoffman in "Rain Man", Robert De Niro in "Awakenings", Tom Hanks in "Forrest Gump" and Al Pacino in "Scent of a Woman". Ron Howard's direction is superb, blending acting talents by not packing a lot of superstar punch into this film but by unleashing the power from his lead character and supporting figures. The movie is very-well made, extremely touching and very rewarding in the end. This is the best movie I have seen since "Braveheart" and I certainly hope it will grab awards for acting, directing, and best picture of the year. 9/10