I never used to be a fan of Ben Affleck, there�s just something about the guy that makes me want to punch him in the face. From his �Harry! I love you!� scene with Bruce Willis in Armageddon (oh my ribs hurt after that bit!) to his �Captain America� performance in Pearl Harbor. I didn�t think that even Samuel L. Jackson�s efforts could save this movie� I was pleasantly surprised.
Ben actually turns in a mature and honest performance as Gavin Banek, a young lawyer trying to make the big time, while Jackson plays Doyle Gipson, an ex-alcoholic going through the divorce courts, desperate to keep his family together. The two are brought together through a small car accident, making each other late for court. A preoccupied Gavin frustratingly leaves Doyle on the roadside, in his rush dropping a vital piece of evidence. His life now ruined because of Gavin's rudeness, Doyle ensues in a battle of wits as Gavin becomes increasingly desperate to set his own life straight, whilst Doyle simply wants to exact his revenge. Both men slowly succombing to 'the dark side' if you will, resorting to ever more drastic measures.
A compelling tale showing the darker side of the human psyche, with even the best or worst intentions at heart. A superb cast, including Toni Colette (The Sixth Sense) and a brilliant small role from William Hurt, make sure that Ben doesn't start to ham things up in a 'Shatner'-esque way. Superb storytelling, especially the slow, vague introduction to both main characters, certainly gets your brain going from the start and rarely lets your attention slip. This isn't brainless fun that you can switch off to, there are some thought provoking morals in here that everyone should pay attention to. If Ben continues to perform in well chosen movies such as this, it could be the biggest comeback since The Monkees reunion tour! |
