eXcellent, eXcellent, eXcellent.

Rating: 9/10 (12 June 2003)

i suppose that ed norton's character in primal fear was, in fact, his breakout role, the one that got him recognized. and he did a spectacular job. but honestly, edward norton in american history x eclipses any other norton role - and just about any other actor of his generation.
the hate that exists in the pre-jail derek is frighteningly real. i watch and want to fight him and all the rest of their cowardly contingent. and that's what i love about this movie. especially with the opening scene... it just replays in your head. i wasn't expecting much from edward furlong, but he played his character very well and added a lot to the movie that otherwise wouldn't have been there. you can really get a sense of the product-of-your-environment, confused and insecure kind of kid he is. the ending was a little predictable, but it was powerful. it was graphic, but not overly so. and derek's (norton) reaction, running through the school, collapsing in the bathroom seemed perfect. overall, an excellent, excellent, eXcellent film. one of the best.