Could've been great if it didn't go on and on and on and....

Rating: 5/10 (15 October 2003)

Mystic River had a great plot twist and it could have been a blockbuster film, if it didn't drag on. The acting by the major and minor characters was exceptional, Oscar worthy even, but the film's editing was so poor the acting became of little consequence. I saw this film last night at an advance screening. You would think my first reaction would be to rush home and hop on the PC to write a review, but after getting antsy in my seat for what seemed like an extra hour of unnecessary film length, I was too tired. That seemed to be the common consensus. I've never heard nor seen so many yawns from moviegoers exiting the theater. Simply put, the story is about one's choices and the consequences of those choices. It revolves around 3 boyhood friends and a choice made by one when they are kids that alters not only his but all their lives. A choice is made by this same boy as an adult that affects them all again. This film was frustrating. Not only because the picture was choppy and too long but because I got so irritated at the characters and their actions. Not that that is a bad thing; it makes one think and demonstrates that we can't always predict human behavior, that people do stuff for god knows why and what seems reasonable at the time makes no sense when reflected upon, (or does it?) Some great moments, some great potential, but spoiled with it's Pearl Harborish discombobulated "why isn't this over already" format.