why oh why didnt they just CAST Robert De-Niro in Seans character

Rating: 6/10 (24 April 2004)

Well, having expected an oscar winning production, I fail to see the "greatness" of this film.
Sure, its great to see Sean Penn, Tim Robbins etc etc etc in action again, but why oh why didnt they just CAST Robert De-Niro in Seans character - instead of getting sean to do his best De Niro impression?
Actors were top notch, shame the script was so poor. I mean, we are used to expecting a twist at the end of the story - but this just felt "tacked on".
A good film, watchable of course, just not anything like the groundbreaking presentation it has been made out to be.
6.5/10 (which is good in my book :) )