A misunderstood, underrated, great film.

Rating: 10/10 (7 April 1999)

Another one of 1998's best films, Tony Kaye's directorial debut of David McKenna's inconsistent script is one of the most powerful films of recent years. Still a great film, it could and should have been so much more with better care. Kaye's shot the film himself and his visuals are unbelievably good. However, the films driving force is Norton, who should have won the Oscar. We completely understand his character, and he makes a villainous, despicable young man's arc to reformed ex-con seemless. Beverly D'Angelo, Edward Furlong and Stacy Keach are all fine. However, Avery Brooks isn't used enough, and the jail scenes don't stand up with the rest of the film.