"Thumbs Up"

Sometimes, the best movie you've ever seen, wasn't even the one you wanted to see. The best movie I've ever seen, my Dad was watching, when my favorite cartoon was on. The movie was Mystic River, a story about three friends, who went through a tragic experiance together, are reunited by yet another, when one man's daughter is murdered. The story is poetic, grabbing, and haunting. I walked in, about half way, even at 14 years old, I was caught in the drama. The acting is the best I've seen, (watch out for Sean Penn's reaction to his daughters death) and packed a resonating story, not for the faint of heart. It is loaded with memorable scenes, each one leaving a fresh mark on each character, carnage...that is taken and visible in each one's emotions. I was, needless to say blown away. I begged my Mom to buy it, and it wasn't long until I was talking to everyone about it. If a movie was more deserving of best picture, here it is. It didn't win, (figures) but took home the best actor, and best supporting actor awards. The movie that won the coveted award that year was a tough one to beat, Lord of The Rings: Return of The King. Now, I admire Peter Jackson's work as much as the next, but after watching each, you'll know which one will stay with you longer. The movie is Clint Eastwood's finest achievement, it surpasses even The Shawshank Redemption, it tackles a cinematic no man's land, with resounding results. Now, I may be ranting, but if you ever see it, you'll know why.