Bardlerx Strictly average movie

TaryBiggBall It was OK. I don't see why everyone loves it so much. It wasn't very smart or deep or well-directed.

KnotStronger This is a must-see and one of the best documentaries - and films - of this year.

Mischa Redfern I didn’t really have many expectations going into the movie (good or bad), but I actually really enjoyed it. I really liked the characters and the banter between them.

zardoz-13 Everybody in writer & director Sean Penn's "The Crossing Guard" deliver fabulous performances, but this pretentious film is a drag to watch. Guilt oozes out of this epic and nothing about it is remotely entertaining. Jack Nicholson is terrific as Freddy Gale, a jewelry store owner and alcoholic who believes that he must exact vengeance on the drunken driver who struck his daughter Emily, but he is far from likable. I'd call this a film rather than a movie because you only need to watch it once to know you seen it one time too many. David Morse is just as good as the drunken driver who served time for vehicular homicide. These two men are filled with guilt, though they finally make up at the end with our protagonist finally visits his daughter's grave. As well made as "The Crossing Guard" is, it is not the kind of movie you want to see for the sake of sheer entertainment. All the technical credits are top-notch and the film never wears out its welcome. John Savage has a brief role near the beginning and then he vanishes. Robin Wright plays John Booth's momentary girlfriend who ends their relationship because she has too much trouble competing with his guilt. Robbie Robertson is good as the husband who replaced Freddy. Richard Bradford and Piper Laurie appear briefly at the beginning as John Booth's parents who come to pick him up at the prison when he gets out. Sean Penn's father Leo has a cameo, too. Skip this one unless you're feeling really terrible and need a purging.

Robert D. Ruplenas I have to take exception to what seems the be the majority view that this is an excellent film. The whole thing is contrived and phony. Throughout, there are innumerable points in the action where people do things and behave in ways completely contrary to what real people would do. The dialogue, too, is contrived. And one could have asked some more subtlety. As it is, it is clear from the get go that the vengeful father is the "bad" guy and the repentant killer is the "good" guy. Things are rarely so black and white. There is one scene further on in the film where Nicholson's character, in a conversation with his ex-wife, portrays some genuine grief and pain, but his portrayal up to that point completely belies that. And the many observations by viewers about the excessive and gratuitous nudity are on the mark. The completely contrived and unbelievable ending brings to mind Oscar Wilde's quote that "one would have to have a heart of stone not to dissolve into tears ...of laughter." Sean Penn should stick to his day job of acting and stay away from writing and directing.

Jackson Booth-Millard From producer/writer/director Sean Penn, I didn't really know what to expect with this film I didn't know anything about, about from the lead actor and it being rated four stars, and that for me was enough. Basically Freddy Gale (Jack Nicholson) has waited for six for the man responsible for killing his daughter in a hit and run, John Booth (David Morse), to be released from prison, and that day has come. The day of his release, Gale goes to see a changed and regretful Booth, and he announces that he will kill him in one week. In this time, Booth uses the time to make peace with himself and have a relationship, while Gale spirals to the edge of sanity with his obsessive hatred for Booth. So the end of the week comes, and Gale is ready with a gun to kill Booth, but when it actually comes to it, Gale is really struggling to do what he has wanted to do all those years. Also starring Golden Globe nominated Anjelica Huston as Mary, Robin Wright Penn as Jojo, Piper Laurie as Helen Booth, Richard Bradford as Stuart Booth, Priscilla Barnes as Verna, Robbie Robertson as Roger, Kellita Smith as Tanya, John Savage as Bobby, Kari Wuhrer as Mia, Joe Viterelli as Joe and Dr. William Dignam as The Crossing Guard (of the title). Nicholson is not as showy as he usually is, Morse makes a pretty fine performance as the near sympathetic ex-criminal, and the story has an intelligent enough script that you can forgive the slow-burning pace, it is a drama to care about. Good!

disdressed12 this film was amazing.it's basically a story of loss,revenge,redemption and forgiveness.there are two main characters, for both of whom redemption and forgiveness seem impossible.both have suffered loss,but only one seeks revenge.the movie tells the story of how our main characters get to the point of redemption and forgiveness,and it's not how you'd think.at least it wasn't for me.Jack Nicholson puts in what i would call a career performance here,as does David Morse.Sean Penn wrote the script and directed the movie.he did a masterful job in both areas.it's emotionally very powerful,and i shed some tears in some scenes.the only downside i can think of for this film,is for me,there was a bit too much unnecessary nudity.i realise that there had to be some to give.us an idea of one of the main characters,but i think it went a bit overboard.still the rest of the movie is so well done,that i give it a 10/10