Reviewed by Doug Cooper
Stars Russell Crowe, Laura Dern, Jon Foster,
Sophie Traub, Tanya Clarke, Alexis Dziena,
Alicia Harding, Tim Hopper
Written by Emil Stern
Certification UK 15 | US R | Australia M
Runtime 100 minutes
Directed by John Polson
Russell Crowe normally has an eye for an interesting script, so why he chose to appear in this soporific bore is anyone's guess. He plays a weary cop intent on following a young psychopath newly released from prison, who injured his wife. The young man in question, Eric (Foster) seems a caring, sensitive guy, who inadvertanly picks up teenager Lori (Traub), who has secretly stowed away in his car. She is fascinated by him, displaying a powerful infatuation, having seen the news stories in which he violently murdered his parents.
The two embark on a road trip together, with her falling head over heels for him. Their tepid relationship comprises much of the movie, with lengthy scenes of longing looks and precious little activity. It's their pairing that is the film's main focus. The two young performers are capable enough, though Foster rarely shows any unhinged personality traits. Traub though is convincingly vulnerable - no mean feat when saddled with a script as dire as this.
Crowe's disgruntled 'tec is very much a supporting turn - which is a pity as more of his presence would have helped to make this tedious effort watchable. It really is hopelessly dull and slow - rarely do the characters engender passion in their plights and the plot is so maudlin one never cares for them. A big so-what factor envelops it ultimately and come the closing credits you'll be mystified at why you've wasted 100 minutes of your life viewing it. Complete tosh. It really is a load of crap. Avoid at all costs.