This Depression-era gangster film from director Sam Mendes (American Beauty) stars Tom Hanks as Chicago area hit man Michael O' Sullivan who's is better known to others as "The Angel of Death." At home Michael is your normal family man who absolutely adores his wife and kids. In fact, his kids really don't know what their father does for a living. His life is put into upheaval after another gangster murders his wife and one of his sons in cold blood. With his remaining son (newcomer Tyler Hoechlin) he goes on an arduous journey of retribution to right the wrongs done to him and his family. The film costars Paul Newman and Jude Law.
Gangster films are no longer commonplace in film these days. After the success of the Godfather films various incarnations were released but after they failed miserably Hollywood kind of swore off the sub genre for a while until Dick Tracy made a big splash. The pattern then continued until the general public wasn't seeing all such films and their popularity was waning. Now DreamWorks has readied another gangster film with a high caliber cast and director for public consumption. The film is certainly well filmed but comes off as predictable and rehashed instead of original.
As directed by Sam Mendes, The Road to Perdition is one beautiful but strangely detached dramatic period film. The film has some absolutely gorgeous cinematography courtesy of Conrad Hall. The various scenes shot at night while it's raining are unbelievable to behold. The acting is good which is to be considered from this cast. Jude Law is the stand out because he acts so slick and perfect for his role. Hanks himself is subdued but okay nonetheless. Hoechlin is less annoying than I expected and therefore is fine is his role.
Despite its good points, the film moves too slowly for my liking, even for a drama. The film takes a lot of time telling the audience about how Hanks' kids find out what their dad does for a living. The film then lumbers through the rest of Hanks journey as he and Hoechlin head out on a trail of murder. The film seems to take itself too seriously considering the overbearing atmosphere prevalent throughout the film. The film is no Godfather redux and it shouldn't have attempted to be one.
Overall, The Road to Perdition is an okay gangster films that certainly could have been a better film with all the talent involved. As it is, the film comes across as a missed opportunity.
Rating: 83
Comments? Discuss this review at the CurrentlyPlaying.com FORUM!
joe@currentlyplaying.com
Back to:
© 2002 webmaster@currentlyplaying.com