Plantiana Yawn. Poorly Filmed Snooze Fest.

SpecialsTarget Disturbing yet enthralling

Neive Bellamy Excellent and certainly provocative... If nothing else, the film is a real conversation starter.

Ezmae Chang This is a small, humorous movie in some ways, but it has a huge heart. What a nice experience.

soranamicooper I caught the second half of this flick and was engaged by its pace; it's well shot and enhanced by the soundtrack. Jack N is convincing and the rest do OK too, with some very (very, very) little cameos by such as Harry Dean Stanton and Micky Rourke. I saw the whole film a few days later and found I wasn't quite as enthusiastic about it. Some of the characters seemed less credible and a bit cliché. The story plays out like a suspense thriller/whodunnit, which is not really my thing, but there's just about enough interest to keep one watching (and there's always Jack) and the film's merits just about counteract its shortcomings (which are mainly plot-related and the fact there are too many lazy coincidences to serve its progression). The ending is a tad disappointing, plot-wise, as it seems a bit of a cop out to me, although the very final scene offers some form of redemption by refocusing our attention on the character study that I guess is its main aim/strength.

TonyMontana96 (Originally reviewed: 10/02/2017) Nicholson's performance is one of his best, and almost as harrowing and intense as his role as Jack Torrance in Stanley Kubrick's The Shining. Sean Penn's direction is extremely impressive, he proves he can direct a film as well as he can act; and Penn a very good actor takes what he has learned about film and makes a film that is memorable from start to finish, even if it might put some people off, considering the nature of the story; it's a strong piece of filmmaking with locations that fit the story and the tone of the picture perfectly.The story is like you would expect but with plotting that is not just unpredictable but most impressive, the second half is equally as good as the first and the pace is purposely slow burning at times, to pause for some psychological effects between the character's and what's happening on screen; Nicholson's contained performance is absolutely brilliant, his sheer intensity and traumatic expression are impressive; and there's a very good sequence where he finds out Lori's daughter has gone to church with a priest, and the look on his face is haunting, especially seeing him rushing around, trying to get to the church before it's too late, and after he drives across a ton of meadows and fields, you are in for a surprise that will either shock you or at the very least make you jump .The supporting cast are truly gripping; among it are Aaron Eckhart (Stan/ Jerry's police partner), Robin Wright Penn (Lori), and Patricia Clarkson Margaret Larson (mother of the child that was killed), Helen Mirren as a Doctor, Benicio Del Toro as Toby Jay, a convicted nutcase accused of the murder and even Mickey Rourke who play's Jim, a man interviewed by Jerry half way through, which leads to some strong acting from Rourke, which actually surprised me. There's plenty of other good performances too, that's exactly what a great film requires, great acting, story and script, and this has all three; and talking of the script, it's originally haunting and solidly written.The score is steady and atmospheric, the film feels as if anything could happen at any time during the conclusion and putting the pieces together is well worthwhile, if you like a film that requires thinking. This is exactly my type of film, a smart, atmospheric one, with strong performances and a haunting, surprise ending that is coherent, memorable and leaves you with the feeling that you have just seen a great film; some people may not get this picture, but for those who do, you're in for an underrated masterpiece.

Byrdz This was another of my notorious "VHS sale at the local library" purchases. I had never heard of it but it had Nicholson in it and the write up looked interesting so into the bag it went.Jack Nicholson actually appears as someone other than Jack Nicholson in this one. He does not shout, excessively roll his eyes or swear nonstop. He is quite subdued and he even goes fishing .... often! Jack is surrounded by an outstanding cast of big name actors playing extended cameo roles.Director Sean Penn seems to be drawn to these ... lets say "less than sunny" stories but he handles them well and was able to draw out the "old Nicholson" who actually seemed to enjoy what he was doing. .The ending is rather muddled and we are left not really knowing exactly who the killer was but sometimes that's just the way life is.Not action filled, rather bloody but not gratuitously, character study more than anything. If you can find it, watch it.

The Couchpotatoes I can get why some people don't like the movie. I expected something else as well. I thought it was going to be more mysterious with faster action. But nevertheless I was not disappointed by The Pledge. It's a good movie. The end could have been better but it is what it is. It's clear what happened and you're not left with questions unanswered. Some people thought Jack Nicholson didn't deliver like we are used of him. I have to disagree completely with that. Jack Nicholson is the main character of this movie and I thought is acting was top notch. To me having Jack Nicholson in a movie is almost a certainty to have a good movie. He's a world class actor. Strong character roles are written for him and he always deliver. The rest of the cast was good as well. All in all the movie might be a bit slow and different from what you expect it to be but it is well directed with strong acting. Certainly worth a watch.