Awful, awful movie

Rating: 4/10 (27 November 2005)

Overwrought, pointlessly stylistic, and really really bad. No matter how hard I try I can not think of one positive comment to make about this movie. Penn's acting was sheer scenery chewing, and by the end I couldn't wait for the last ten minutes to be over.
The first half of the movie is nothing but setup, done in a very heavy handed manner. The second hand begins to roll along and promises that maybe something interesting will be revealed, but as the movie hits its climax you realize it has nothing to offer. At best it is a good portrayal of a particular kind of neighborhood and family life that may be fading.
The interesting thing is that very good actors are sunk by the script or the direction. Many talented people, who have done very well in other movies, struggle and fail here. The only actor not completely taken down is Kevin Bacon. It is ironic that he is the only one that did not receive a nomination.
I am not sure what everyone saw in this movie, but beware, don't be taken in by the positive ratings. It is a hollow movie masquerading as a good movie.