LeonLouisRicci
There Appears, at times, Ingredients added to this blend of an Actor's Showcase Reality and Reality that doesn't fit comfortably. The Tone and Goal of the Film is purposefully Uncomfortable, obviously, but this is another kind of thing. Might even be called Cringe Inducing on Occasion. An altogether Opposite Reaction.The Acting from A-List Actors is expectedly Excellent. David Morse's Low-Key, Smooth and Endearing Performance doesn't quite Steal the Show but comes close. Mainly because His suffering Empathy is closest to a Relatable Reality. Nicholson's Rage, Self Loathing, and Grief mixed with Alcoholism is not on screen to be Liked, and waiting for the very Last Shot for Release is a Wait Too Long. Anjelica Huston is Good in a small but Important Role.Nicholson's frequent Trip to the Strip-Club with His Obnoxious Friends really Goes Nowhere and is Irritating and Cumbersome. Morse Hooking Up with Robyn Wright also seems just as Awkward. These two Characteristic Contrasts Fail the Film.Overall, Worth a Watch but the Unpleasantness Undermines the Tension and Drama that the Story Builds quite well otherwise. A Good, Taut, but Inconsistent Study of Grief, Guilt, Revenge, and Reconciliation.
THETAFAIR
Wonderfully talented actors, and a director I imagine talented as well. But both the actor's indulgence and the director indulging them is stultifying. Seemingly left to their own devices they create scenes with few sparks and much tedium. Nicholson, Morse, Huston and the other have ability to burn, yet they fizzle with false restraint.The actors are obviously improvising in many scenes yet their behavior often seems contrived and illogical. The director, attempts to create a reality of life with ancillary actors surrounding the leading characters,yet those scenes within scenes seem forced and intrusive. One should care about the three major characters caught up in a truly tragic event, yet it's generally "ho-hum" because they are caught "acting" in most every scene. With such great talents, this film was truly disappointing.
djbabu_30
The daughter of Freddy Gale (Jack Nicholson) was killed in an accident by John Booth (David Morse). The death of his child took a tool on Freddy, as his marriage broke up and he became an alcoholic, looking for a purpose in his life. Freddy plans to kill Booth as soon as he's released from prison, as he thinks, that the jail sentence is not enough punishment for the death of his daughter. He tells Booth, that he has three days to live. The movie is a mixture of thrill and sadness for the two man who, are connected by the unbelievable tragedy, although for different reasons. An expressive role of a big star Jack Nicholson with an expected final. Pleasant story by writer and director, Sean Penn.
Leonard Smalls: The Lone Biker of the Apocalypse
What a well-directed film. Anyone who says Sean Penn is a hack is full of it. This guy knows how to direct, there is no question about it. But what he is directing? That's another matter."The Crossing Guard" has way too many 'hollywood' elements for it's own good. Kind of reminded me of "21 Grams" in that way. Where "21 Grams" was a Hollywood-version of addiction, "The Crossing Guard" is a Hollywood-version of crime and punishment. There is no clear villain and there is no clear victim. I guess we are all victims, aren't we Sean? Okay, first of all why did Booth get out of prison for killing a girl while drunk driving and his friends throw him a welcome home party with alcohol being served? Only in Hollywood. We are given a small glimpse of Booth's character but not enough to really feel bad for him. Nicholson's character, Gale, is a real creep. He makes it pretty tough to feel sorry for him at all. So the viewer is torn, right up until the end of the movie. The ending throws you for an emotional roller coaster that will make some people laugh and no doubt make others cry, but it is definitely strange. A frantic Gale shooting Booth, then handing his gun over to him.Fine acting, fine directing, just not a great story here. Then there was Robin Wright. We loved you in "The Princess Bride" but please Sean, cool it with the nepotism: the part was useless and your lovely wife did not fit into it.5 out of 10, kids.
AD
