AniInterview Sorry, this movie sucks

VividSimon Simply Perfect

Voxitype Good films always raise compelling questions, whether the format is fiction or documentary fact.

Brainsbell The story-telling is good with flashbacks.The film is both funny and heartbreaking. You smile in a scene and get a soulcrushing revelation in the next.

krocheav 'Reservation Road' is a film of considerable power. Most all performances are first grade, especially Phoenix & Ruffalo, as is the adaptation of John Burnhan Schwartz's book for the screen. Both book writer and director worked together on the tour-de-force screenplay. Oscar winner, Irish born Director Terry George (Hotel Rwanda) certainly knows how to put across feelings of guilt and justice - having been imprisoned in Belfast for 6years over his consorting with members of the Irish Republic Socialist Party. Three years later George and his wife forged a new life in America. They returned to Ireland for various film projects.This tragic story takes place in leafy Stamford Connecticut and makes good use of this beautiful setting to convey its shattering situation - much of which is brought about by pressure upon weekend visiting dad (Ruffalo) to get his beloved son back to his mother on time. Perhaps there maybe a little too much use of coincidence and it would have been a touch more satisfying to have a little more closure for Ruffalo's troubled character but, the overall outcome is certainly powerful and fully involving. For lovers of fine drama this Road offers compelling traveling.

MattyGibbs I happened upon this on Netflix the other day and it looked an interesting idea. Added to that it stars three of my favourite actors in Mark Ruffalo, Joaquin Phoenix and Jennifer Connolley. It's a pretty grim story and one that is particularly hard to watch if you have kids. Losing a child is every parents worst nightmare especially to something that may be avoidable like a hit and run. The film throws in an interesting curve-ball as the perpetrator of the crime Mark Ruffalo is not some low life scumbag but a normal loving father himself who is overcome by grief at the crime he has committed. It's a slow burning tale but excellently acted throughout by the three main players who bring the sad tale to life in a realistic and sensitive way. This is a fine film that explores a difficult subject well and whilst it is by no means a perfect movie (it loses it's way a little halfway through) it is well worth a watch for those that like hard hitting emotional drama.

Chrysanthepop Terry George has already established a name for himself as a writer and director. His previous directorial venture, 'Hotel Rwanda' tells the poignant story of Paul Rusesabagina's courageous attempt to rescue thousands of Rwandans during a genocide that was largely ignored by the world. With 'Reservation Road' he tells a harrowing story of one of the worst kinds of losses experienced by humans (especially parents) the loss of a child.John Burnham Schwartz adapts his own novel and his screenplay is rich in detail, story and character development. George doesn't only touch on the issue of grief but also on anger, obsession, revenge, guilt and taking responsibility that result from such severe loss. The tension he builds through atmosphere and interaction of actors, the poetic flow, stunning cinematography and soundtrack all come together beautifully. In addition the viewer is kept in suspense.The emotions and reactions displayed by the performers are very raw and appear very natural. All the actors do nothing short of superb, even though the film mainly belongs to Mark Ruffalo and Joaquin Phoenix (both are exceptional as they deliver one of the best of their careers). Jennifer Connelly is remarkable and Elle Fanning is brilliant. Mira Sorvino provides adequate support in a small role.Emotionally engaging, engrossing and layered, 'Reservation Road' successfully involves the viewer and lingers in mind long after the closing credits have rolled. It's a shame that the film was poorly marketed (even with a huge starcast) and got overlooked by people.

TonyLeone32360 This was a very good drama with a good plot. We all have families that would be devastated with the loss of a loved one. We would all handle it differently and this movie shares one such avenue for justice we would seek. The scenes were set in the northeast and were all very well done. The actor/actresses did a real good job with their characters. I especially liked the dialogue between Joaquin Phoenix and Jennifer Connelly. One part was quite predictable but did not ruin the story. I found it quite interesting and entertaining. The end was not what I would have done and some viewers may have a similar comment. But overall was an entertaining movie worth 2 hours of your time.