A little uneven but altogether brilliant

Rating: 8/10 (17 January 2004)

*** WARNING: THIS TEXT -MAY- CONTAIN SPOILERS ***
When I went to see "Mystic River", I had this notion that it was going to be a BORING experience. But instead I found myself more and more immersed into the crime mystery side of the story. Who killed Jimmy's (Penn) daughter? And maybe more importantly: why?
That was the good part of the film, its dedication to the old type of crime thrillers (I'm thinking Hitchcock, but then again - I very rarely watch these kinds of films - so I may be WAY off).
The BEST part, though, was the actors: Sean Penn is a must-see; also Kevin Bacon gets to do (at long last) a character that actually is mellow and calm!
I know Robbins has got some great reviews and don't get me wrong - he also does a great job (as always) - but I can't help feeling that he fails to catch as much depth of character as Penn. If this is because of the script or not I cannot tell, in either case I feel that he is the weakest link in the Penn-Bacon-Robbins-chain, so to speak.
But to summarize this little review: Eastwood deserves an applaud for this slow, "classic" tale of murder. And those that think the film is too long or too slow or whatever, to you I would like to say: - Just lean back in your chair and enjoy the brilliant acting of the grand trio Penn/Bacon/Robbins. Heck, I'd watch those three for hours on end, if I'd a chance!
RATING: 8/10
SEAN PENN-RATING: 10/10
Check it!