Road to Perdition

Starring: Tom Hanks, Paul Newman, Jude Law, Jennifer Jason Leigh, Tyler Hoechlin
Directed by: Sam Mendes
Rating: R
Genre: Drama
2002

Times Seen:
Tim: 2

Summary: Hitman Michael Sullivan (Tom Hanks) works for a crime boss (Paul Newman). Everything goes fine, until Michael's son (Tyler Hoechlin)witnesses a murder. Now, Michael must choose between his family and his job, and the decision will have terrible consequences for both him and his son.

Review:

Tim: This film hit theatres with high expectations. Long before opening day, critics were already calling this an Oscar contender, with the possibility of another Best Actor nomination for Tom Hanks... some critics were already claiming he would win it. While the Oscars were a long way away from the release date, all that buzz about the film generated a lot of excitement... and high expectations.

Road to Perdition is a very good film- Tom Hanks gives an outstanding performance, but that isn't so special anymore. We are used to Hanks being outstanding. What is so spectacular about his performance is the type of role he plays. Hanks plays a hitman on a quest to avenge his murdered family. Yes, you heard that right- Tom Hanks is playing a murderer! The same guy who brought us Forrest Gump and the stranded Fed Ex employee in Cast Away is now playing a man whose sole means of work involves killing other human beings. Hanks has made a reputation of playing only good guys. Don't gasp too loudly just yet- Hanks' character is also a father, and shares a number of heartwarming scenes with his son. With that aside, Hanks gives one of the darkest and probably toughest roles of his life. I felt like he should have received an Oscar nomination

The other big past Oscar winner here is Paul Newman. I was slightly surprised that he received an Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actor. Yes, his performance was of high quality, but all through the film his character seemed slightly out of place, slightly removed from the events taking place around him. I'm not trying to diss Paul Newman- the man is a wonderful actor and has done some incredible work. He isn't bad in this film, but the role and his performance just don't add up together.

Another point to mention in this film is the first hour or so. I realize in any drama it takes a great while to set the stage for the future action. However, the first part of this movie was just so slow. I couldn't help myself but to moan and wonder when Hanks was going to kill someone, or at least when he'd get a chance to do some serious acting- a dramatic scene perhaps, a comedic line- ANYTHING that would allow him to do what he does best. For the first part of the film, however, there will be no relief.

I am glad to say the film does pick up immensely in the second half. Hanks is exciting, fun to watch, and this is when he is Oscar-worthy. The film is much, much better, and actually makes for quite an entertaining ride.

Road to Perdition had everything going for it- Hanks in a role not typical for him, Paul Newman, the writing of Sam Mendes... it should have been a nearly flawless film. However, as so often is the case with should-be-perfect movies, the film falls short of that. While the second half of the film saves it from a much worse fate, I cannot help but feel slight pangs of disappointment. I still enjoyed this film, and gave it a very respectable rating, but the saddest part of it all is that this film could have... and should have, been much, much better.

Rating 1-10
Tim's Rating: 7.5



If You Enjoyed This Movie, We Recommend:
Cast Away, American Beauty, Catch Me If You Can, Saving Private Ryan