IN AMERICA (2002) – My Rating: 10/10

Oh My God!       **** SOME SPOILERS***
I could hardly believe my emotions. This emotional roller coaster of a movie is fantastic. What a pleasant surprise. I must admit when I saw the trailers for this movie, I thought it was going to be another Avalon. Not that Avalon wasn’t really good, but let’s face it, been there, done that. Far from it — it not only engaged my emotions, it taught me a thing or two or three about being stoic and compassionate.

The performances were letter perfect. I found myself trying to find the secret to having such well behaved and darling children. If only they all could be like these two. They got along so well while maintaining their status as children. They displayed a wealth of knowledge with hearts as big as gold. They gave me all warm fuzzes.

Djimon Hounsou was fantastic as a dying man who wanted to be angry but managed to channel his frustrations through this extraordinary family in a very good way. They all brought something to the table. Gifts were plentiful, shown in a most tender, loving way. Jim Sheridan really went the distance in his direction of “In America” and I really enjoyed it.

I don’t know why this movie was not widely released because it should have gotten a best movie nod. If you compare some past winners of best movies, “In America” shines. See this fine piece of art any way you can — it’s worth your time.

I’m happy Djimon picked up the Best Supporting Actor nomination and Samantha Morton, the Best Actress nomination for this movie.

MYSTIC RIVER (2003) – My rating: 9/10

The Point Of This Movie Is…
***  CONTAINS SOME SPOILERS  ***
Don’t let your emotions guide your decision making, you’ll come up wrong every time! Mystic River is an emotional roller coaster of personalities and heart wrenching realities. Starting with the sexual abuse of an innocent child, which strengthens the old cliché, “only the strong shall survive”. Next there’s the death of a 19 year old teenager that tears a father to pieces, not to mention the audience. It was a brutal and senseless killing that impacted every family in this story. Finally, there’s another innocent killing that could have taken down more families but only showed us what an untrusting, non-supporting, wife could accomplish with her emotions leading the way.

The only problem I had with this movie was how long it took to get to the truth. Sean Penn delivered another flawless performance — I really believe he should get an Oscar soon — he’s too good not to join the ranks of those who have been awarded the priceless statuesque. Also, Tim Robbins delivered one of his best performances as a man whose spirit had been mentally weakened as a result of being sexually abused over a 4 day period when he was abducted as a child. Fine performances were delivered by all and if you read reviews about the music being over whelming, don’t believe it, lot’s of minor chords is the way Hollywood has always portrayed drama. The music is nothing new. Finally, if you believe in the Almighty, the ending says it all!

Clint Eastwood has finally arrived as a director — this is the best movie I’ve seen under his direction. I left the theater feeling a little happy, a little sad and a little more knowledgeable about the role emotions can play if you let them. I give Mystic River a 9 because it kept me in suspense — I actually could not figure out “who done it”, I was thoroughly entertained and I actually learned a little somethin’, somethin’.