Thriller One You Won't Soon Forget

by Jason R. Hewlett

Usually when a movie's release date is delayed, which was the case with the new thriller "Arlington Road," it's a sign of trouble. A flawed product in need of retooling that the studio has lost faith in. Suffice to say I didn't know what to expect from the film upon entering the theater but what we've ended up with is a solid, intense film that works with gut-wrenching effect.

I don't want to give away the plot. To do so would kill much of the suspense. Commercials on T.V. and a previews in the cinema haven given away too much already. However, like all good thrillers the tension mounts and we never really know exactly what is going on until it's too late. When we do figure it all out we're left breathless and, at least for me, a little shaken.

Ehren Kruger's script is a tightly plotted number which unspools with great care by director Mark Pellington. The film is shoot with high energy and great, gritty mood by Bobby Bukowski...a name I'll watch from here on in. His work is excellent! Veteran editor Conrad Buff ("Terminator 2" and "True Lies") works his usual magic here as well.

The film is more than a technical marvel though. Several of Hollywood's best, and most underappreciated, actors are at their peek here. Tim Robbins is surprisingly chilling. I've never seen him in a role like this and he carries it off well. Ditto Joan Cusak as his equally unnerving wife. This couple will easily make you doubt any overly friendly next door neighbor. Jeff Bridges is also much better served here than he was in that other bomb flick "Blown Away" several years ago. I've always liked Bridge's work but have never really felt he's suited many of his roles until now. He's not an action hero per say but he doesn't have to be here.

And finally I'd like to praise the work of Hope Davis. This is her first real studio film and I hope her career soars after this. Not only is she beautiful but she's got talent to burn as well.

Just a warning: don't enter into this movie expecting a shoot 'em up. This is not an action movie. Here we've got a hard sell for a summer movie: a smart, psychological thriller with a killer ending. Enjoy!

8.5 out of 10!