Interesting but ultimately disappointing

Rating: 5/10 (28 January 2002)

This film is worth seeing on several levels but ultimately it disappoints. The lead role was a perfect fit for Tom Cruise - normally, I find him external and not really believable; however, in this part, I liked his acting. His scene before a panel of doctors is especially effective. I always love Cameron Diaz. As for Penelope Cruz, I will only ask, what is the big deal.
I thought I was going to be watching a compelling murder mystery. Turns out that wasn't really the case. The way the true plot is introduced, very late into the film (like the end), I felt like it was the kitchen sink being thrown in. That is one objection I have. The other objection I have is, though the film only ran about two hours, it moved very slowly and seemed MUCH longer. Whenever that's the case, you know there's a problem. Fifteen minutes at the beginning could easily have been cut and we would have gotten the point of the main character's life and lifestyle, and the pivotal scene of the film would have been moved back considerably.
Nevertheless, if you're up for seeing something that will spark discussion, intrigue you and has depth to it, this is a good one to see. It doesn't succeed but hey, Cameron Crowe tried.