Don't do crime.
John from Donegal, 18 Sep 2008
2 guys decide to rob a Jewelry store owned by their own family, the fallout of which changes everybodies lives.
A very good story, well played by all concerned.
The only decent people where the parents, who aren't in the film enough.
The plot was well thought out, and although the ending is fairly predictable, the way its brought about is pretty shocking.
A good film that keeps you watching, but I didn't feel any sympathy for any of the characters which stopped me caring about the ending.
Great stuff
Shane from Meath, 24 Aug 2009
With the proliferation of plot-revealing reviews, the enjoyment of movie-watching is often greatly diluted. I knew nothing about this film before seeing it and the experience was enhanced as a result. Leads Philip Seymour Hoffman and Ethan Hawke and co-stars Marisa Tomei and Albert Finney deliver exceptional performances. The intricacies of the plot also suggest a director much younger than Sidney Lumet, so hat's off to him for displaying such freshness well into his 80s. Great stuff.
Another Hoffman masterclass.
Ciaran from Dublin, 01 Jun 2008
Two brothers, whose weaknesses of character leave them struggling in their respective lives, arrange a holdup of their parents jewelery store. The movie's time line jumps to before and after the event and between the significant characters points of view. It's an interesting premise and is quite well done but it lacked the tension to be really effective. However Hoffman delivers a fine performance and that elevates the movie somewhat. Marisa Tomie is in great shape too!
Falls Short
Tim from Cork, 15 Aug 2008
An absolutely stellar cast and the director of some classic films (12 Angry Men, Serpico...) get together with a script that seems fine and at times the story is quite intense. Then what happened? Well, the plot has a few holes in it that unhook the viewer and it's very hard to stay focused. The sound is terrible!!!Unfortunately Lumet is having an off day and drags his actors and plot down with him! The result is a fairly average film...
Excellent
Stephen from Dublin, 01 Oct 2008
Great peformances from Seymour Hoffman and Ethan Hawke, it reminded me a little bit of Fargo in that a chain of events is set off by people who should know better and it all gets out of control. Age old story about greed and how it can distort relationships and reality. Excellent acting throughout and well worth a viewing.