Great performance by Robbins & strong themes, but never fully escapes mediocrity

Rating: 6/10 (18 October 2003)

Some of the themes and symbolism in this movie might be better than its details, but, frankly, it plays like all too many of the recent made for screen best-sellers that seem to have been written half-heartedly by spoiled, self-assured, and pampered yuppies. Have a real, total thought, a courageous heart, and some genuine emotion, would be my advice to this group. Of course it is risky to expose yourself emotionally in a world chock full of haters, morons and thieves, but what is the alternative? Being like them? I'd rather not. I refuse to be like them in excessively praising this rather mediocre effort. Sure, it tries to hit some emotional issues, and does some of that well, but far too much of the movie is uninteresting, uninspired and weak. The title of my review basically sums up my opinion. As for blame, in addition to the writer, I put it on Eastwood. For a great screen rebel, he sure has gotten average and timid as a director. But then again, maybe he was always afraid to really show himself. I would see this movie again. I will give it that. But mainly because I want to see if it could--hopefully--be better the second time around. Right now, if one were to compare this to Good Will Hunting, for example, Mystic River would be embarrassed.
**Possible Spoilers** Yes, along with the tortured Robbins, Penn is great, Linney is great, and their daughters are beautiful. I also like the general idea of Penn's strength, and the way he conveys it (though his dignity and character are questionable, and certainly not fully presented). The other players are a mixed bag, the kid who played Brendan Harris (who delivers one of the best-filmed--and deserving--screen beatings ever) and Kevin Bacon being positive standouts. Oh, and where did Linney's Lady MacBeth stuff come from at the end? Or was that just this movie's self-satisfied version of "Stand By Your Man?" Lazy. **End of spoilers**
Bottom line, not a truly great movie because the actors weren't given enough to work with from the writer and director. Clint, go back to acting in something manly and either get better and stronger fast or stop directing anything but Westerns.