The acting in this film is phenomenal.
Sean Penn is just amazing. I know it's an old cliché that an actor who plays an ill or disabled person gets an Oscar nomination by default, but Penn really deserves one. His character is so likable and sympathetic that at times it's a bit much, but the acting is so good that you can't help but be taken in by it.

Michelle Pfeiffer is also incredible here. She shows a tremendous amount of range here, and Fucking A, she looks amazing doing so. I remember when I first saw the trailer for this film, I thought she looked out of place. Too glamorous, but it ends up making sense. I dunno if she'll be nominated, but she's really great.

Obviously the scene stealer here is little Dakota Fanning, who just may be the most adorable little girl in the whole world. Thing is this little girl can act and hold her own with some great actors. She's an amazing discovery, and I hope if she does pursue acting she grows into it and she becomes a first class leading lady.

It's a shame that this movie is so implausible, and like I said so Hollywood.
It also might sink to a new low in the world of product placement. Sheesh.
Also, I unfortunately heard something about this movie that might explain something that happens in the movie, and the whole thing really cheapens everything for me.
That made no sense, huh?
Being completely spoiler-free can be a bitch sometimes…

Look, I liked the movie, and I cried when I was supposed to, and like I said the acting is top rate. But I just don't think it's a good movie…there's just too much wrong with it to be appreciated as anything other than escapist entertainment.
But then it's too deep to be escapist.
Ugh, having some standards is a pain sometimes…