Mystic River (DVD, 2004, Widescreen)

Mystic River is a dark story, beginning with three boys in Boston. One is kidnapped, but all three are changed. This film concerns the odd continuity of the boys' lives, as the three grown men are enmeshed in a murder mystery. Kevin Bacon plays a policeman, Sean Penn a tough ex-con, and Tim Robbins the boy who never exactly recovered. Laurence Fishburne is Bacon's partner.

Director Clint Eastwood has made a masterwork, offering many possible outcomes and an ending that is as unsettling as the suspense that leads you to it. Tim Robbins and Sean Penn both won oscars for their roles. Marcia Gay Harden, who plays Robbins' wife, was nominated for best supporting actress. As Penn's wife, Laura Linney gives a brief speech that will make you put down your popcorn and sit very still for a minute. Not exactly heartwarming and definitely not for children.

This film holds up very well and is likely to remain popular, despite its bleak outlook. A must see.