Arlington Road

Starring: Jeff Bridges, Tim Robbins, Joan Cusack, Hope Davis
Directed by: Mark Pellington
Rating: R
Genre: Drama, Thriller
1999

Times Seen:
Tim: 2

Summary: A college professor (Jeff Bridges) who lost his wife in a terrorist attack begins to suspect his neighbor (Tim Robbins) of being a terrorist himself. While he battles his girlfriend's (Hope Davis) insistence of his own paranoia.

Review:

Tim: This movie is a dark, bleak look at humanity. The film manages to entertain, to make you think, but to some degree, also depresses. There is very little to feel good about in this movie because it is so devoid of hope. That being said, it also has a great story, and is quite a good movie.

A great deal of credit goes to the cast. Jeff Bridges is very good, although he's sulky and depressed for the entire movie. Tim Robbins also gives a good performance- it is ambiguous enough to keep the audience guessing. He can be chilling as well as warm. He's great in the movie. Joan Cusack gives one of her rare dramatic roles, and Hope Davis is decent in her supporting role as well.

The movie is entertaining because it has a very good mystery, loads of suspense, and keeps us interested with its thrilling qualities. It is fun to watch a movie about normal, regular, everyday people, who find themselves in over their head. One of the film's most appealing characteristics is that this could happen to any man or woman in any town in the nation. You never know what the person next door is capable of doing. Sometimes, finding that out can change your life forever. Director Mark Pellington never lets us forget this.

Arlington Road also has a terrific ending. Years after I first saw this movie, much of the film started to evaporate from my memory- but the ending never left. It stuck with me. The film's conclusion is quite shocking and makes the entire film worthwhile. Yes, the film has flaws- it is too often slow, dragging in various parts. It also fails to pack the same emotional punch throughout the movie. I actually believe it could have been even more thrilling. However, it does enough right, and packs a punch with the ending, so I would definitely recommend seeing it.

Rating 1-10
Tim's Rating: 7



If You Enjoyed This Movie, We Recommend: The Mothman Prophecies, White Squall, Mystic River, The Truth About Charlie