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Road to Perdition (Widescreen Edition)

Road to Perdition (Widescreen Edition)

List Price: $14.99
Your Price: $11.99
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Rating: 5 stars
Summary: Excellent but tainted at the last minute
Review: Road to Perdition is well-written, finely acted, and beautifully filmed. A couple of the characters are a little too thinly filled out for my liking, but overall, this movie is wonderful to watch. The story of the father and son coming to understand one another -- actually, the story of the father coming to realize how much he means to his son -- could be a poignant social commentary if only we were open to its message. Tom Hanks and Paul Neuman both fill their roles completely, making it easy to believe that they truly are the men they portray. The young man who plays Hanks' son is excellent as well. My only real complaint with this otherwise marvellous film is the son's line at the end about never holding a gun again; most thinking viewers will realize that it was a gun that saved his life more than once! I don't often give a movie 5 stars, but this one deserves it.

Rating: 4 stars
Summary: Road to Perdition- A Road Worth Traveling
Review: Road to Perdtion, an interesting drama starring amazing actors: Tom Hanks, Paul Newman and Jude Law. Hanks and Newman really do some beautiful acting, with sharp dialogue and my God some pretty intense violence. Director Sam Mendes directs with beautiful scenery, a lovely script and great action. But I should add this film is not extraordinary, but features powerful prefomances. It's essentially like the Godfather, only with a sort of different plot, different actors and of course a different director. Sam Mendes won an Academy Award for his directing of American Beauty. This film will probably nominated for some Academy Awards, maybe even for Best Director and Best Picture. Lets hope not. Road to Perdition is rated R for Violence and Language. Ths film does contain loud on occasion graphic, defeaning gunplay. Not necessarily extreme violence but maybe quite revelant to The Godfather, but probably not at like or related to in terms of violence to Scarface. Road to Perdition also features Tyler Hoechin, a new comer. His acting was quite pleasant and pleasing, but maybe not attractive. The films is basically set in the 30s, Tom Hanks play Micahel Sullivan a gangster who's main profession is killing other mobsters, he works for the Irish mob, and his boss is John Rooney played by Paul Newman. Jude Law is Harlen Maguire a photographer who shoots the dead, a dealdy sort of pernicious character who is sent to kill Michael Sullivan also known as the Angel of Death. Hanks's character loses his wife and yougner son. His older son, Michael Sullivan, Jr. lives, and they both must go on a journey to avenge the deaths of Sullivan's wife and younger son. From here, the film is quite simple as well as reasonably violent and bloody and we also see some good performances. Yup, that's what you will probably expect from seeing Road To Perdition, but it was not the worst movie that I have seen ever. I enjoyed it, and I possibly might even own it, well we'll see. See Road to Perdition! In theatres everywhere July 12, 2002.

Rating: 2 stars
Summary: They suffered pain. And I suffered boredom.
Review: There's a star-studded cast in this film, directed by Sam Mendes of "American Beauty" fame. And there's some excellent cinematography. It's about gangsters in the 1930s, with emphasis on father-son relationships. I was prepared to enjoy it. I didn't.

The story takes place in 1931, and Tom Hanks is cast as a mob enforcer who works for the boss, played by Paul Newman. When Hanks' 12-year old son, Tyler Hoechlin, is witness to what his father does, the plot is set in motion. There are tragedies galore as each character meets an awful fate, some at the hands of Jude Law, cast as a killer who photographs his victims. With high drama like that, I should have been sitting on the edge of my seat instead of yawning and looking at my watch.

The cast tried, they really did. All the acting is wonderful. But the screenplay moved too slowly. And the director had most of the scenes take place in the rain or snow or bitter cold. It was all heavy stuff, without a bit of lightness. I never did identify with any of them, as they just were a little too soaked in tragedy to be real.

Rating: 5 stars
Summary: A masterpiece...
Review: Few words can describe how I feel about "Road to Perdition".

Now, I am not going to sit here and waste my time telling why YOU should see this movie, because - believe me - everyone is entitled to their own opinion and not everyone will like this movie. Period.

But I will tell you what makes it, in my opinion - a masterpiece of modern filmaking. Some believe that the movie is flawed - I will not disagree, of course, because EVERY movie has flaws.

I would first like to point out the several of the most emotional aspects of this film.

The score, for example. Thomas Newton composes a score that leaves me near to tears everytime I listen to it. It is absolutely beautiful, brilliantly orchistrated, and emotionally satisfying music. It has been several years since I have heard music so perfect. I would compare it with James Horner's "Braveheart", or Hans Zimmer's "Gladiator".

Another very important technical aspect to film-making is this movie's visually stunning cinematography. Although dark and dreary in much of the movie, the concept of using water to signify death (this being the director's trademark) is absolutely brilliant. Unfortunately, the lack of sunlight can bring one to near insanity when sitting in an already dark movie theater. In all honesty, though... the shots used are almost too good. I remember feeling breathless at several moments in the film...

The costumes and sets fortunately do not draw our attention away from the story, rather add to the flavor.

Finally, the acting. Paul Newman... Tom Hanks... Jude Law? Which should be hailed more for their performance? Paul Newman for playing a loving father and ruthless mob-boss? ("You would LIKE to apologize? Try again...") Tom Hanks for also playing a loving father and ruthless hit-man. ("Only one thing is clear that none of us will see heaven." "Michael could...") Or perhaps, Jude Law for his portrayal of a truly creepy, disturbed, and determined photographer. ("What do you do for a living?" "I shoot the dead... I don't kill 'em, or anything") Or, maybe we should forget about the veteran actors and draw our attention to Mr. Tyler Hoechlin, for portraying Tom Hank's innocent and confused little boy.

One final note: I would like you to take a hard look a this movie's poster. Though simple and somewhat hazy, the image summerizes the movie entirly.

In one hand, Tom Hanks holds a Tommy gun, in the other, the hand of his son. Absolutely beautiful. It makes you think of the movie's loglin: "Pray for Michael Sullivan"

Oscar Perdictions? You bet! Road to Perdition SHOULD BE - not will be - SHOULD BE nominated for at least nine, which are:

Best Picture
Best Director
Best Actor
Best Supporting Actor (x2)
Best Adapted Screenplay
Best Film Editing
Best Cinematography
Best Original Score

Rating: 4 stars
Summary: Road paved with Oscar statuettes
Review: Whatever Sam Mendes does with his camera, we follow him, in awe, in delight, in utter respect of his inventive architectural zooms and shots. Fathers and sons, husbands and wives, all melodramtic idealistic soap operatic themes are found in "Road to Perdition". Mendes, infamous for the amazing cultural landmark "American Beauty", doesn't soar to the brilliant dysfunctionalism he creates, but still pushes forth a brooding collection of A-list stars (Hanks and Newman), and underlying human emotion. Whatever somber surrealism Mendes has in mind he uses it amazingly, and creates a breathtaking Oscar-caliber film, visionary, dark, and filled with delicacy.

Rating: 5 stars
Summary: Road to Perdition
Review: This year's summer hit Road to Perdition was a hit movie even though Spider-Man, Men in Black 2 made over 93. million this year. Road to Perdition mase 90. million so far. On the release date of it July 12, 2002 it was out longer than Crocodile Hunter, Holloween, and Reign of Fire. I loved it. See "My Big Fat Greek Wedding" Produced by Tom Hanks and Rita Wilson, john corbett, and staring pop star singer from 'nsync joey fatone. Now playing in area thaters.

Rating: 3 stars
Summary: "SONS of the FATHERS ........"
Review: ... something about the 3rd and 4th generation rings true here.
It is indeed a paintakingly slow, slow recreation of Irish Gangland circa 1931 in muted beige, green, tan, maroon with the occasional spurt of vermillion. [The killings do have that special and appropriate 'fly-swat', err 'wack' quality.] Everything is meticulously crafted - after all Mr. Mendes is from the Theatre - very much a no-nonsense profession that demands 100% accuracy from the chosen few ...... YES, this is probably the kind of Ganster movie that Kubrick would have made, although it somewhat screams Kurosawa.

NOMINATIONS? Absolutely for DANIEL CRAIG as the son who just doesn't care a damn, truly a 'Hollow Man' along the T.S. Eliot frame. Newman? Paul Newman ventured into character territory during the late 50ties - 'Adventures of a Young Man' - the public wasn't ready - NOW they are! What a finely nuanced performance along the lines of a "Lear', or even "Titus' - let's hope that Mr. Newman continues and continues without any limits.

Tyler Hochlin should be pared with Dean Cane - perfect likeness, great potential. Jennifer Jason-Leigh has little to do but what she does is memorable - as always! Tom Hanks broods a lot, few lines, more of an 'avenging angel' with permanent frown, pursed lips and scraggly mustache - not a great emotional range here ....... and Jude Law? Perhaps F.W. Murnau inspired, just slightly too 'Nosferatu-ish' - quite the little Terminator with appropriate flash and print attitude. AND Stanley Tucci as always delights [?] - a perfect fashion plate with muted venom - as Gangboss Nitti.

Superlative Art direction and costume design - another nod for Albert Wolsky - the costumes do not distract - that's the point! [Jennifer Jason-Leigh's wake hemline was perhaps slightly too flapperish - but that's very minor....]

Best after two or three viewings. Qualms? The expert markmanship of the Jude Law character . . . .and the slight overkill with Newman, a more poetic 'exit' perhaps? It descended slightly into Sergio Leone territory here.

Companions? "Paper Moon" [lighter]. Also the Negelcted "Mosquito Coast" River Phoenix, Harrison Ford and Helen Mirren - worth watching.

Would have been interesting if the 'Boy' reflected on all of this circa 2002 as a retiring scion of a major company ......

Rating: 5 stars
Summary: Oscar Worthy!
Review: Road to Perdition is easily the best film of the summer. This ultra dark movie brings up a lot of morals, thoughs, and about how crime doesn't pay. As well as that this was the life we chose and how Tom Hanks charactor didn't want his son to grow up like him. Plot wise is near perfect! Need to see it!

Rating: 4 stars
Summary: Road to Perdition - as viewed by LBlancke
Review: I know most of us are thinking its a pretty safe risk to spend [money]. ... on a flick starring Tom Hanks and Paul Newman. Road to Perdition is no exception. The story line reminded me of the movies of yesteryear. Just a strong story with strong actors. There were no flashy special effects, no hot sex or hard core language. Don't get me wrong the story revolves around a family of hit men, so the violence is everywhere but understated. Paul and Tom carry their understated personalities well. But for me the star was the young man who played Tom's son. Excellent acting! Excellent story! I'd like to see a sequel starting the young man (the son) as he makes decisions into manhood.

Rating: 5 stars
Summary: AWESOME FILM!
Review: This is one of the best films of the summer, and should win every Oscar that it gets nominated for. All of the performances were superb, the direction, the music by Thomas Newman, everything about this movie was great! It was a wonderful father/son story. Tom Hanks has out done himself again. He is a great actor, and should win another Oscar. Paul Newman was great, too! I loved this movie. I have seen it twice already.

Highly recommended!


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