wdemurjian

Perhaps I'm a sucker for "down on their luck" cops seeking redemption, a la Clint Eastwood's Ben Shockley character in "The Gauntlet" or Robert De Niro's Jack Walsh in "Midnight Run," but I loved this film. Even with its derivative and predictable plot, I was mesmerized for the first 45 minutes (riveted to the screen, unable to even get up for ice cream). It's not a great movie, but it grabbed me.

P.S. My biggest criticism was the casting of David Morse, not because he didn't do a good job, but because he's becoming typecast as a dirty or at least trigger-happy cop (as in "The Negotiator"). Clearly, his St. Elsewhere days are far removed.

Provided you are capable of a "willful suspension of disbelief" regarding the implausible plot premise, this is a delightful movie. Truly one of the best kid's movies of all-time (right up there with "The Sandlot").

This movie combines some well-known stars (Gregory Peck, Jamie Lee Curtis, and William Peterson) with some surprising debuts (Joshua Zuehlke as Chuck and former NBA great, Alex English, as Amazing).

The story is heart-warming, with some genuine tear-jerkers, and the closing is uplifting (though a tad predictable). There are some surprises, a few quotable lines, and lots of inspiring moments.

I can't recommend this enough, if you want to believe that anyone can make a difference in this mixed-up world of ours.

It's hard to imagine Madeline Stowe and Ed Harris making a worse film. This movie was plagued by a terrible plot, which borrowed 90% from "Body Heat" and 10% from Harris' own "The Last Innocent Man." If you insist on watching it, quit after the early bar scene. It's use of Anson Funderburgh and the Rockets, featuring Sam Myers (on vocals), is the movie's lone highlight.