Small enough not to matter

Rating: 6/10 (3 December 2007)

Greetings again from the darkness. Ben Affleck loves cameras. Doesn't seem to matter to him if he is front or behind. As a director, he still tries to be the star. The heavy handed camera work throughout the film really detracts from a decent story that could have benefited from a more seasoned filmmaker. Enough already with the swooping shots from the helicopter, and the grainy night shots showing the tough street types. Nice work from a film a student.
On the other hand, brother Casey does a very admirable job as the lead in this multi-layered story that really doesn't hold surprises, but is fun to watch unfold. Casey's deadpan delivery, stoic stares, monotone mutterings and baby face features combine to give a unique look to our hero. This plays well against the liveliness of the stunningly talented Michelle Monaghan and the heavy screen presence of Morgan Freeman and the manic frenzy of Ed Harris. Young Casey is the calm in the eye of the storm.
Other nice supporting turns are from Amy Ryan, who shows us how not to win mommy of the year; Amy Madigan and Titus Welliver. Additionally, director Ben flashes some of the ugliest humans this side of the Springer show or a Michael Moore documentary. Some would be right at home in the State Fair freak show. That part was more gruesome than the actual violence.
Most certainly this is not at the level of "Mystic River", "Good Will Hunting" or any Scorcese film, but the screenplay is interesting and worthy of film ... and lacking only a pro's touch behind the camera.