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Created Feb 15, 2009 04:31PM PST • Edited Feb 15, 2009 04:31PM PST

1. Quality

2. Summary

   Very Good 3.5

   This story uses the very uncomforable topic as pedophilia as the undertone for a fascinating character study of Kevin Bacon’s character Walter, who was let out on parole. Walter ends up in an unlikely location across from a school, befreinds Kyra Sedgwick’s character Vicki, who supports him during somewhat of a transition period to normalcy. Although there were moments that were very uncomfortable, the movie came through as very touching, moving, and the feeling that within everyone is a good person.

4. Acting

   Really Great 4.5

   An awesome job by Kevin Bacon – his character comes across as very real, even at emotional times when most guy acting breaks down. Kyra Sedgwick more than holds her own as the caring byproduct of the school of hard knocks. I liked Benjamin Bratt as Walter’s brother in law who acts supporting, but shows his true colers when things appear dicey. More up front is Mos Def who is great as Sgt. Lucas — who does a great job as a sort of testing nemesis for Walter.

5. Male Stars Really Great 4.5

6. Female Stars Really Great 4.5

7. Female Costars Really Great 4.5

8. Male Costars Really Great 4.5

10. Film

    Very Good 3.5

    This movie pushes all the right buttons — it makes you think deeply about what you are seeing, causes you to be hopeful, then lose hope, then regain it again. Somewhat of a rollercoaster that keeps you on your toes. Focused mostly on the human aspects, the film also uses great visuals and locals to drive home points.

11. Direction Very Good 3.5

12. Play Very Good 3.5

13. Music Very Good 3.5

14. Visuals Very Good 3.5
15. Content

16. Edge

    Risqué 1.8

17. Sex Innocent 1.0

18. Violence Gentle 1.3

19. Rudeness Profane 3.0

21. Reality

    Natural 1.0

22. Circumstantial Natural 1.0

23. Biological Natural 1.0

24. Physical Natural 1.0