Film: Conviction
Starring: Hilary Swank (Boys Don't Cry and Million Dollar Baby) and Sam Rockwell (Frost/Nixon and Iron Man 2)
U.S. Release: 2010 (rated R)
Director: Tony Goldwyn
Genre: Drama
Runtime: 107 minutes
The Philadelphia Film Festival doesn't carry the same clout as Tribecca or Sundance, but its impeccable timing allows for countless Oscar buzz-worthy movies to be previewed. The 11 day affair brought many hyped films such as Black Swan, 127 Hours, Blue Valentine, and Conviction to the city of Brotherly Love. I had the privilege of catching the Conviction premier on Tuesday night, just a few days before its nationwide release this Friday (October 22nd). Sporting an all star cast including Hilary Swank, Sam Rockwell, and Melissa Leo, Conviction, and its intriguing trailer, had me eager for the premier.
Based on the real life story of Kenny Waters (played by Rockwell), Conviction follows his sister Betty Anne's (played by Swank) remarkable 18 year struggle to overturn Kenny's murder conviction. In 1980s Massachusetts, Kenny is the town screw up. Plagued by bar fights and a troubled childhood, whenever something goes wrong in his small town, everyone's eyes turn Kenny. Everyone except his loyal sister, Betty Anne. A shocking murder takes place, and the local law enforcement arrests Kenny and charge him with 1st Degree Murder. Betty Anne is so convinced of her brother's innocence that she'll do anything to clear his name, including risking her relationships with her husband and children. She goes back to school and gets her GED, college diploma, and then passes the Bar Exam, all on her way to becoming her sibling's lawyer.
Swank and Rockwell are known for delivering glaring performances, and with Conviction they didn't disappoint. However, there's more to a film then it's cast. The premise is extremely captivating, but the final product is definitely unsatisfying. It seems as though first-time director Tony Goldwyn focuses too much on insignificant aspects of the story. Conviction feels very bland and overly systematic. All of the movie's conflicts and resolutions unfold in a similar fashion, to the point where the film begins to feel redundant. Furthermore, Conviction helps reiterate the notion that great acting doesn't necessarily make a great film.
No one will argue that Conviction isn't an amazing story about determination, faith, family, and sacrifice. However, in the film, for every pro there is a con. And despite it's unbelievable real-life story, you should hold off on venturing to the theatre to see Conviction. The film could have been so much better, and it's a shame that the result is a middle of the line interpretation of a great story.
Watch Conviction if you enjoyed: Pursuit of Happyness. Both tell incredible tales of perseverance, but neither end up captivating you.
Stars: 2 stars out of 4
Starring: Hilary Swank (Boys Don't Cry and Million Dollar Baby) and Sam Rockwell (Frost/Nixon and Iron Man 2)
U.S. Release: 2010 (rated R)
Director: Tony Goldwyn
Genre: Drama
Runtime: 107 minutes
The Philadelphia Film Festival doesn't carry the same clout as Tribecca or Sundance, but its impeccable timing allows for countless Oscar buzz-worthy movies to be previewed. The 11 day affair brought many hyped films such as Black Swan, 127 Hours, Blue Valentine, and Conviction to the city of Brotherly Love. I had the privilege of catching the Conviction premier on Tuesday night, just a few days before its nationwide release this Friday (October 22nd). Sporting an all star cast including Hilary Swank, Sam Rockwell, and Melissa Leo, Conviction, and its intriguing trailer, had me eager for the premier.
Based on the real life story of Kenny Waters (played by Rockwell), Conviction follows his sister Betty Anne's (played by Swank) remarkable 18 year struggle to overturn Kenny's murder conviction. In 1980s Massachusetts, Kenny is the town screw up. Plagued by bar fights and a troubled childhood, whenever something goes wrong in his small town, everyone's eyes turn Kenny. Everyone except his loyal sister, Betty Anne. A shocking murder takes place, and the local law enforcement arrests Kenny and charge him with 1st Degree Murder. Betty Anne is so convinced of her brother's innocence that she'll do anything to clear his name, including risking her relationships with her husband and children. She goes back to school and gets her GED, college diploma, and then passes the Bar Exam, all on her way to becoming her sibling's lawyer.
Swank and Rockwell are known for delivering glaring performances, and with Conviction they didn't disappoint. However, there's more to a film then it's cast. The premise is extremely captivating, but the final product is definitely unsatisfying. It seems as though first-time director Tony Goldwyn focuses too much on insignificant aspects of the story. Conviction feels very bland and overly systematic. All of the movie's conflicts and resolutions unfold in a similar fashion, to the point where the film begins to feel redundant. Furthermore, Conviction helps reiterate the notion that great acting doesn't necessarily make a great film.
No one will argue that Conviction isn't an amazing story about determination, faith, family, and sacrifice. However, in the film, for every pro there is a con. And despite it's unbelievable real-life story, you should hold off on venturing to the theatre to see Conviction. The film could have been so much better, and it's a shame that the result is a middle of the line interpretation of a great story.
Watch Conviction if you enjoyed: Pursuit of Happyness. Both tell incredible tales of perseverance, but neither end up captivating you.
Stars: 2 stars out of 4
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