Jon Monsarrat review: murder interferes with serious drama

Rating: 7/10 (19 May 2004)

Mystic River is a serious drama, where the murder is secondary and just serves as a plot device. Which makes me wonder, couldn't they have thought of a more everyday plot device? I mean, if you're aiming for realism, murder sort of knocks you out of the average person's experience. There are a few coincidences in the film that didn't make sense to me, and the ending didn't really tie it up.
Despite all that, I have to admit it was an incredible film. Such acting! Really amazing, all around. Gripping, interesting, well-paced.
Who should see Mystic River:
-- Drama fans, definitely. Oh, and see Cutter's Way, too.
-- Action flick guys like me who see the occasional drama, this one's safe but see it on a rainy day when you've nothing better to do.
I'll give Mystic River a 7 out of 10, nearly an 8.