Irresponsible

Rating: 4/10 (20 October 2003)

Overwritten, over-directed, over-acted and overblown. Much of this (yes) overhyped drama runs head-on into thematic roadblocks or just peters off in some wayward direction. Fishburn's character only serves as a sounding board for Kevin Bacon's underbaked detective, then he just disappears with no explanation. And Bacon's "wife"? We only see the lower half of her face as she "speaks" to him in a phone. This subplot was a complete deadend and had many in the audience scratching their heads. Sean Penn gets my vote for overacting award of the year. Some were giggling during his so-called dramatic moments. But the film's biggest problem is its overall message: that humanity stops after being sexually assaulted and that murdering these victims is warranted - or should have no consequences. AND somebody please inform Eastwood that not all gay men are sissy stereotypes or child molesters. A very irresponsible film - and boring in many scenes.