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No. It was simply because no one could, nor did they want
to, relate to its lead character, a child sex offender longing
to go straight.
Seems more people would rather root for a 'Full House' reunion
movie than cheer on this guy’s turn-around, and the returns
said it all. Unfortunately, most of the globe missed out on
seeing not only a good movie but also a bravura – possibly,
his finest – performance by the always-versatile Kevin
Bacon.
Here, Bacon plays an observably unwell, and rather dilapidated
ex-jailbird who’s back in the real world hoping to live
beyond his past – a life of abusing small girls. From
the moment Walter (Bacon) arrives at his new job and apartment
though, he gets inquisitive eyes, and pretty soon, his little
secret is revealed.
With the help of Vickie (Kyra Sedgwick, Bacon’s real-life
wife), a fellow worker whose decided not to critique Walter
on his past, the wrongdoer starts to form a reasonable sort
of life for himself, whether the neighbourhood's disbelieving
copper (Mos Def), Walter’s livid co-workers or, heck,
the audience, like it or not. Thing is, is he really over
his fascination with 12-year-old girls?
Bacon is a powerhouse here. He really is. Not for a moment
– to his merit – do we see anything but an easy-to-despise
child sex offender.
In addition, the script is also effective, making sure it
doesn’t over-sympathise with Walter too much, and, though
it does to an extent, turn him into a hero by the end of the
film’s brief 84 minutes. In fact, the filmmaker almost
wants you to hate the man, and when Walter follows a young
girl into the woods – seemingly about to have his way
with this one too - we’re ready to attack.
One thing’s for sure though: you’ll be transfixed,
and sitting on the edge of your seat when this scene comes
into play. Again, the result of terrific acting and stellar
writing.
If you can stand to sit through such a movie – and I
do realise, it isn’t an easy task, not with a subject
like this – you’ll be doing yourself a favour.
DVD Extras
Audio and video are candy-sweet, but the extras – photo
gallery, that’s it? – are as thin as a New York
Style Pizza base.
Conclusion: Movie 75% Extras: 10%
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