Moody, atmospheric action/thriller

Rating: 8/10 (30 December 2003)

Very good thriller, in spite of Gwyneth Paltrow's involvement.
I generally detest Gwyneth Paltrow in everything she's done. I can't abide her presence and it is my personal opinion that she suffers from a total lack of talent. However, Morgan Freeman and Brad Pitt pull this one completely out of the wastebasket, dusts it off, and sets it back on the shelf.
The story is very telling, the performances are completely professional, the set designs are inspired, and the whole production is darkly and eerily executed.
You can, however, see Mr. Pitt's character from 12 Monkeys in his character in this movie, as they were filmed very close to one another.
You can see some of the schizophrenic mannerisms exhibited here, which in no way draws from the character, nor does it draw from the finished product. I found it rather endearing, in fact, as I enjoyed 12 Monkeys very much.
Freeman and Pitt work together quite well, after a slow and faltering acceptance of one another, to lead you down the road which takes you into the dark and noisome mind of a killer.
All in all, not a bad movie. I'm very grateful that Ms. Paltrow's part was small and almost inconsequential.
I've just one question, though. What is with the fascination with Christian legend, of late? There are thousands of ancient civilizations out there which worshiped thousands of gods/goddesses.
What is with this Christian obsession? While this is an original screenplay, with creative and unique elements, due to its Christian elements, it gets thrown right in with about a hundred other movies of this type.
It rates a 8.1/10 from...
the Fiend :.