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Created Apr 25, 2009 03:04PM PST • Edited Apr 25, 2009 03:04PM PST

1. Quality

2. Summary

   OK 2.5

   A recently widowed Army husband (John Cusak) deals with the death of his wife who was stationed in Iraq and how to break the news to his daughters. This movie focuses deeply on the emotion of a tragic loss and the process one goes through to arive at acceptance. Complicating matters is having two young daughters who are at an age where closeness to one’s mom is paramount, coupled with a deep guilt over not being the one overseas instead of his wife. The movie drags on a little long through some scenes, but for the most part you should really enjoy this movie if you are in to drama.

4. Acting

   Good 3.0

   John Cusak displays a great deal of range in this movie, and his character comes across as genuine and in no way contrived. I also liked Shélan O’Keefe who plays the eldest daughter and often the mother figure for the trio, as well as Allesandro Nivola as the semi-slacker uncle. This movie focues mostly on dad and daughters and as such there wasn’t much presence from the other supporting actors – but no complaints.

5. Male Stars Good 3.0

6. Female Stars Good 3.0

7. Female Costars Good 3.0

8. Male Costars Good 3.0

10. Film

    OK 2.5

    Solid visuals and scnenery via the road trip the family took. It wasn’t the centerpeice of the film but rather came across as supporting elements to the tremendous acting from Cusak.

11. Direction OK 2.5

12. Play OK 2.5

13. Music OK 2.5

14. Visuals OK 2.5
15. Content

16. Edge

    Tame 1.3

17. Sex Innocent 1.3

18. Violence Gentle 1.3

19. Rudeness Polite 1.3

21. Reality

    Natural 1.0

22. Circumstantial Natural 1.0

23. Biological Natural 1.0

24. Physical Natural 1.0