One of the best films of the year, on my Top 10, definitely!

Rating: 8/10 (21 February 2004)

I went to see "Mystic River" for a few reasons. Firstly, I like to see the Oscar Nominees before the Oscars, so I know what is really deserving on the Osar night. I also wanted to know how much competition "Lord of the Rings" had, and how much competition Bill Murray and Djimon Hounsou had, in their nominated categories. I wasn't expecting anything amazing, just the usual Oscar-contending type of movie.
I left the theater amazed at such a great film. I wasn't expecting much, and its power and magnitude totally surprised me (though I don't know why, I loved Eastwood's "Unforgiven"). Everything...everything about this movie was top notch filmmaking. Eastwood's direction was great, his best film I think. The screenplay was admirable, and the acting, well, the acting was the best part. Now, I realize that Eastwood probably worked great with his actors, but watching them mingle and talk to each other on-screen...well, they're on their own level.
The story of "Mystic River" focuses on three childhood friends, Jimmy, Dave and Sean, who's lives are torn apart when Dave is kidnapped by child molesters (in one of the most tragic, disturbing scenes in recent memory). Dave escapes, but they're permanently seperated...that is, until they're in their thirties, many years later. Jimmy (Sean Penn) is an criminal-turned-family man who runs his own business now, Sean (Kevin Bacon) is a police detective with a wife who calls him but says nothing, and Dave (Tim Robbins) is a bar-hopping, depressed man who tries his best to love his family, but has never quite healed from the incident in the past. When tragedy occurs and Jimmy's daughter is found murdered, the three are brought together, though not as friends.
And from their, the story takes off. There are many twists, turns, surprises and shocks, one of the better mystery movies. The supporting cast gives it their all too, with Laurence Fishburne, Laura Linney and Marcia Gay Harden - in what is, along with "Miller's Crossing", her best performance.
Other things worth mentioning: Penn's versatility - I've seen this guy playing so many different characters, he's really an amazing actor. I wouldn't mind if he beat Murray at this year's Academy Awards. Also, Robbins' performance was notable, though if he wins...I'd be disappointed (Djimon Hounsou did very well this year). Bacon is likable for once, and, of course, Eli Wallach's fiery cameo appearance - the guy's what, eighty-seven? I can't believe the guy's energy...Tuco never dies!
And things I didn't like too much - the revelation of who the killer is. I liked how they did it, but I thought making that person the real killer was kind of...a bad decision (but by then it was unimportant I guess).
Definitely one of the best of the year, a recommendation to all, 8.5.