Critic's Corner: ROAD TO PERDITION

This film, which can be rentedfrom your local video store, israted on a scale of 1 to 4 caducei:

ROAD TO PERDITION

Road to Perdition

The Untouchables

Road to

Perdition

(2002):Forgotten in theshuffle of the summerblockbusters,just may return tothe forefront asOscar begins tochoose its champions.The film followsthe tragic misfortunes of amorally conflicted hit man,Michael Sullivan (Tom Hanks),whose young son (Tyler Hoechlin)lands on the hit list of hisboss, Capone-connected mobsterJohn Rooney (Paul Newman).Set during the Depression, thismovie works well as a periodpiece and has some beautifulcinematography. An interestingscene in the film is when Sullivanapproaches legendary Chicagomobster Frank Nitti for protection.Although his appearance isbrief, Stanley Tucci does a tremendousjob in this role. Also ofnote is the performance of JudeLaw, who is as powerful as he ismalicious in the role of Maguire,the assassin hired to off Sullivanand his son. Overall this is a goodfilm, though slow moving at times.(Personally, isstill my mob movie of choice.)The camera work in as well as the use ofsound—rain, gunshots, silence,and music—is something thatOscar should perhaps take a secondglance at.

Rating: 2.5

Lisa A. Tomaszewski,managing editor of

Physician's Money Digest, is currently

working on her PhD in literature at Drew

University in New Jersey. She is an avid

fan of film and has taught a summer film

course at Fairleigh Dickinson University.

She welcomes questions, comments, or

suggestions for future film reviews at

732-656-1140 ext 195 or ltomaszewski@pmdnet.com.