Robert Downey Jr. played Robert Downey Jr. – a cocky, too smart for his own good jerk. Robert Duvall played Robert Duvall – a curmudgeonly aging man’s man. There was nothing really surprising in their performances… but you know what? It worked. This is one case where casting was spot on. I do have to mention that Duvall’s performance was in keeping with his other roles for the most part, but there were one or two scenes when he showed a vulnerability that only a confident actor can pull off.
I also enjoyed Vera Farmiga as the spunky love interest and was surprised with Billy Bob Thornton‘s portrayal of the bad guy lawyer. The surprise was how different he looks – the acting was typical Billy Bob… good stuff.
I really liked that it was a deeper story than most and although all the clues were pretty much right out front, it didn’t lead you by the nose. (You know the kind – they flashback to show you the clue they showed you earlier in the film… that is insulting to the viewer.)
I do have to point out that the cute little village in the film is supposed to be Indiana but it looks much more Northeastern. I am sure that is just a factor that the location scouts were forced to deal with and I am being entirely too picky in noticing.
I really enjoyed the movie… much more than I expected.
RATING 8 out of 10 
by Chris Doelle
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