AMERICAN BEAUTY is the very first movie I ever reviewed on this site, and if I had awarded stars back then, it would have been a 4 star flick for sure. Now director Sam Mendes is back with Road To Perdition, and although it’s a long way from now til Oscar time, his name is likely to be called that night.
Any one who knows me knows that I hate "mob" movies. In fact, I’ve never seen the Godfather films and don’t plan to any time soon. Still, I felt compelled to see this movie based on the actors, Tom Hanks and Jude Law specifically, and the director.
I also found it curious that this movie is based on a graphic novel by Max Allen Collins, which is basically the adult friendly term for comic book. But don’t worry, it may be the summer of the SPIDER-MAN, but there’s a nary a spandex clad super-hero in the mix here. No, this film revolves around 1930’s Irish mafia, and more importantly, the love between a father and son.
Maybe it’s a relatively simple story, but I found it engrossing and beautiful.
And in terms of visual story telling, stunningly breathtaking.
You have to marvel at Tom Hanks. His evolution as one of the premier actors in the world continues. To go from the humble beginnings of TV’s Bosom Buddies, to the likes of Forrest Gump and Philadelphia, and now to this role as Michael Sullivan. Amazing. I dunno what else to say. Hanks can apparently do no wrong.
Paul Newman is considered a legend in Hollywood. Well, I’m not all that familiar with his work. In fact this may be the only film I’ve seen him in. But damn, he’s good. Scary good. Just mail him his Oscar now. It’s his. No doubt. Hell, I can already see the five minute standing ovation now…
Tom Hanks son in Road To Perdition is played by Tyler Hoechlin. I’ve never seen him before, but I think he did a great job. He’s subtle, charismatic, and definitely held his own with the likes of Hanks and Newman. I’m sure we’ll be seeing more of this young man.
And then there’s Jude Law. He’s not in the movie all that much, but he steals every scene he’s in. Here he’s in rather unattractive make up, but there’s no disguising his talent. This is a great actor, in the second really great supporting role I’ve seen him in, the first being as "Gigolo Joe" in A.I. .
There are also smaller roles, all filled with talented actors like Stanley Tucci, Dylan Baker, Jennifer Jason Leigh, and Daniel Craig. Basically all the acting is phenomenal.
But I think it was Mendes’ storytelling that blew me away.
It’s beautiful and artistic, but not pretentious.
And though it has some blood (it is a mob piece after all), it’s not overly violent. It does deserve it’s R rating though, so it’s not for the kiddies.
Road To Perdition is really great film making.