Good - But not that good

Rating: Null/10 (11 February 2000)

This film is just that. It's very competently put together, and certainly has an interesting premise, but it's let down by a few minor flaws.
The cinematography is at times clumsy, and at others, over elaborate. I got the feeling that they were trying to achieve so much here that they got really carried away with it.
The child's dialogue, whist undeniably powerful (and *so* well delivered) is utterly inapporpriate. No children of that age talk like that. The only writer around at the moment who seems to be capable of producing good dialogue is Tarantino - and he is only prepared to look at one very specialised area. Bring back David Mamet!
At times the dialogue is far too expositional. I felt patronised by the film. Lines like "You used the S-word" are really unneccessary.
Finally, there was the occasional ham-fisted attempt at emotional manitpulation. The perfect example is the child's final scene in the car. I didn't feel convinced by the characters there at all. It just didn't work for me.
All those criticisms aside, the film is still very good. I would certainly recommend watching it. Only if you can't get in to see American Beauty, though.