Good, but over-rated and over-long

Rating: Null/10 (22 October 2003)

Notes: Sean Penn: Overall... very convincing. Don't overuse the grimace, and remember, you're still not James Dean.
Tim Robbins: A bit hokey on the Boston accent, otherwise another strong performance.
Marcia Gay Harden: Enjoy your Oscar nomination
Kevin Chapman & Adam Nelson: Stole every scene you were in. Cut down to two packs a day, though.
Kevin Bacon: Made me forget about "Hollow Man."
Tom Guiry: Liked you better in Sandlot, but you're talent shows here as well.
Tom Stern (Cinematographer): Your background in lighting paid off. Loved the scenes on the porch steps.
Clint Eastwood (Director): Kudos for letting your cast shine, and imbuing the film with darkness.
Clint Eastwood (Producer): Should have told your director to slash at least 30 minutes. Didn't need the parade, Bacon's estranged wife, or the "You are the King of the family" speech from Linney.
Clint Eastwood (Composer): Please find the phone numbers for Howard Shore, James Horner, Michael Kamen, or any of the Newman boys. Your piano banging at worst, ruined the poignant moments, or at best, diminished their impact.
Continuity Department: ***(SPOILER ALERT***)How can Brendan know his brother Silent Ray spoke on a 911 tape he cannot have possibly heard?