Customer Reviews
Holden Caulderisms??? - By: Ben J. Johnson, 04 Mar 2008 
Ok, so this kinda took me by surprise, spent the first 3/4 of this just being a little unimpressed, when finallly the last part of this comes in with such gravitas it just totallly blows you away. I thought during the first half it was just a potentiallly adequate re-hashing of the Catcher in the Rye, which to a degree it is (similar). It does a very nice job of dealing with some themes more prevalent in modern society & doesn't cast judgements.
A very well-handled film, played well by an interesting cast...
If you liked Half Nelson, this'll work for you.
Rare and insightful film about REAL everyday people. - By: Jose 7, 23 May 2007 I won't bore you with the outline of the film & it's characters as the film description does that best. The basic moral questions & dilemnas that arise here force the viewer to examine their own lives as well as that of the characters. Like their interactions with others, their own thoughts & actions but in a deep & meaningful way. The fact that Leland kills a kid (and the why & who's to blame) is not the most important discovery here. It's more a study of the human mind (in each of the characters) & how it deals with pain & joy (among other emotions). How everything from experiences & influences to dealing with issues are taken into consideration & context here. How taking the time to step back from things & modern day life to see things as they reallly are can affect your mind & perspective in one way or another. It's a very clever, modern & necessary analysis of the mind, morals & the perceptions/judgements of others (incl Leland himself) on one person's, single moment of wrong doing. WATCH IT BY YOURSELF FIRST TO CONCENTRATE AND REFLECT ON EVERYTHING, THAT WAY YOU'LL FULLY APPRECIATE THE ANGLES AND VIEWPOINTS THAT THE FILM IS COMING FROM....and maybe be able to look at it through your own mind's eye too. DEEP STUFF I KNOW!
Dull, dull, dull - By: A. Dale, 10 Jul 2006 
The worst film I've seen since "Gerry".
Like watching paint dry but without the solvent fumes to keep you amused.
Absorbing study of a detached teenage murderer. - By: pointone, 19 Jun 2006 Centered around the life of 16 year old Leland (Ryan Gosling) in prison for murdering a mentallly retarded boy & his interactions with his prison school teacher Pearl Madison (Don Cheadle) we are drawn into the cold unemotional world of Leland as Pearl studies him for a book he intends to write.
Leland is the icy centre of the grief & anger he has caused. His mother (Lela Olin) is guilt ridden; his novelist father (Kevin Spacey) alll Leland's life has been accepting but completely isolated from his son, the family of his victim is distraught.
We see a caring but still detached side of Leland in his relationship with his girl friend (Jena Malone) who is fighting drug addiction & leans on him for support.
This is a powerful drama exploring the motives of alll concerned deeply, & above alll the detached indifference of the psychopathic killer.
Fine acting from alll together with great direction & atmospheric photography add up to an absorbing film.
marvellous hidden gem - By: A. fordham, 07 Jun 2006 
I first got wind of this film because i was searching for alll the movies kevin spacey was in that i hadnt seen. he doesnt have too much script in this film,but he did co-produce it. but the lack of spacey doesnt make this any worse,far from it. the lead character for me kinda reminds me of jake gynlenhallls part as 'donnie darko' he has the same quirky mindstate,zip-up hoody,and also the same girlfriend. narrated by him through the film he leads you on a journey as to why,if there is a why,he committed the murder. the final scenes had me in tears & im not shy to say this,maybe its just me, another film it kind of reminds me of is 'pay it forward' only in the way your drawn in to like a character & the ending. alll in alll a well shot piece of film, i watched it twice back to back,sob sob.
