At Close Range Reviews

little seen gem

Sparse movie with heavyweight actors. A young Sean Penn does his best Brando/Dean and its vintage Walken - forget the plot and enjoy the talent on show

Superb acting

This is a thought provoking film about a disfunctional family and primarily about Sean Penn and his estranged father, who as the film moves on becomes increasingly more loathsome. it has some thought provoking/disturbing scenes and should be worth more than the 3 stars I gave it but because it started too slow and did not exactly entertain I will stick with the 3. The acting by Penn is excellent and by Walken Absolutely sublime, Walken has to be one of hollywoods most underrated actors ever.

This is a true classic. A nice example of the psychological effects of being born into a distructive family.

great film

I rented this film because it had Sean Penn in it.

To be honest I think he's one of the best actors working in hollywood today.

I wasan't disappointed.

He's terrific plus there's great suppourting roles thrown in the mix as well by Christopher Walken and Robin Wright Penn.

It's quite powerful at times but also they the subtlety of it very neatly as well.

All in all I would highly reccomend it.

Very good!

I really enjoyed this - it may be a bit long for some of you but keep watching!

Excellent performances from Christopher Walken and Sean Penn. There's also an early performance from Kiefer Sutherland, although blink and you'll miss him!

Brilliant!

Long before Sean Penn won his over due Best Actor Oscar, he was delivering great performances and this no exception. What could have been a standard movie of family betrayal and misplaced loyality, it is elvated by the performances and direction. Although a slow starter that benefits from being understated, it becomes a highly tense drama, with Madonna's 'Live To Tell' theme capturing the mood to haunting effect.

Rent it!

An Unknown Masterpiece

This film is largely unknown in the UK, but I first saw it when living abroad. Based on a tru story, it features Sean Penn in what could be described as a mesh of his personal and professional life. The wild child of the 80s perfectly ftis the character of a young man in a small town, with no job, and a reputation due to his father, Chris Walken.

The journey he undergoes, falling in love and realising the evil that is capable by the man he knows as his father culminates in one of the most powerful, and moving finales in film.

Chris Walken is his usual, off beat, crazy self, but the ability to really turn on a despicable, and to many "evil" character is very well done. To say his character is disturbing is an understatement, and testament to his acting.

The film is not something to watch is you want to lighten your spirits, but nevertheless, is a powerfully acted and directed drama exploring the turmoil of a son doing what is right, or making your father proud.

Strong finish

I put this on late night with my girlfriend expecting to be asleep in half an hour.. but to my surprise was fascinated by this well directed film..

A young Sean Penn plays a great role as the son desperate to impress his father, Christopher Walken, a small town organised thief. When he gets the chance to prove him self things get a little out of control and the film spirals down to a great climatic end.

Slow to start but well acted as you get to know the characters in this clever well plotted movie.

An underrated film with a strong finish

very good

i enjoyed this film wen i first saw it on tv and it had 2 be the first one i rented i like films that are based on true stories and this is a great film