A Good Movie that was almost great

Rating: 4/10 (20 February 2000)

Edward Norton deservedly received tons of praise for his performance in this movie. Edward Furlong seems to spend the entire movie looking meaningfully at what's going on around him. I found parts of the plot a bit unbelievable. Specifically, Edward Norton was redeemed by a friendly black laundry worker who was able to amuse with comic routines. This black laundry worker appeared to have no knowledge of Edward Norton's vicious crimes, yet was able to hold back an entire prison group from murdering Edward. I usually like Stacy Keach but found his role depicted him as a buffoon. His character was highly intelligent with great organizational skills -- why was it hidden? Beverly D'Angelo gave a wonderful performance as the mother. She is an actress with a wide range and q;uite believably pulls off her role as the mother (and widow) of a family who racially hates.