Yes, Sean Penn was fabulous...

Rating: 1/10 (5 February 2004)

There is no doubt that Penn steals the show--though Linney holds her own. Although the story has been recycled from many other films, it does have its own interesting twist. However, the acting as a whole is so completely wooden and false. A good movie sucks you in and when the credits role you are shocked back into reality. This movie is so replete with trite expressions and affected acting that the *thinking* audience is constantly jarred out of the movie-going experience.
Once again Oscar and audiences have shown their superficiality in cheering a film simply because they are impressed with its collection of "big names."