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 social media, new media titan, chris doelle, fresh media works, http://www.freshmediaworks.comsocial media, new media titan, chris doelle, fresh media works, http://www.freshmediaworks.comsocial media, new media titan, chris doelle, fresh media works, http://www.freshmediaworks.comsocial media, new media titan, chris doelle, fresh media works, http://www.freshmediaworks.comsocial media, new media titan, chris doelle, fresh media works, http://www.freshmediaworks.comsocial media, new media titan, chris doelle, fresh media works, http://www.freshmediaworks.comsocial media, new media titan, chris doelle, fresh media works, http://www.freshmediaworks.comsocial media, new media titan, chris doelle, fresh media works, http://www.freshmediaworks.com

by Chris Doelle