This Must Be the Place

Cheyenne (Sean Penn) is a retired glam rock star, boring the hell out of life in Dublin with his wife of many decades. This low key life is interrupted by his estranged father who is on his death bed in New York. In the hope of a late reconciliation, he travels to the US only to arrive too late. What he discovers is that his dad was a survivor of Auschwitz and was tortured by a former SS officer who is still at large. Cheyenne takes it upon himself to track down the office and bring him to justice. So ensues a surreal road trip across the US as Cheyenne unwittingly starts on a path of self discovery and awakening. A brilliant film that echoes with the touch of the Coen brothers and Penn playing a unique role like he has never done before.

Rating: * * *

Into the Wild

Sean Penn in his directorial comfort zone: barren, white landscapes of Alaskan / American hinterland and a boy attempting to disengage his shadow forever. A true story and all that, with much that one can relate to: anger, loner adventurism, search for truth and such shit. Well made film over couple of hours: must mention the promising performance from Emile Hirsch and as can be expected from a Sean Penn film - a solid soundtrack.

Rating: * * * +

At Close Range

Sean Penn plays Brad Jr. who understandably wants to be a part of his father's (Christopher Walken) crime syndicate. Unfortunately things go horribly wrong between them and it comes down to whether Junior Brad can stand up to Senior. Based on a true story; however the mid-80s print makes it not more than a reasonable watch.

Rating: * *

The Indian Runner

Sean Penn's directorial debut film - and its got every bit of the 'tragedy' element that Penn, the actor, thrives in.

The movie is apparently inspired by Bruce Springsteen's 'Highway Patrolman'; about 2 brothers, one who is upright and the other who is not. The lyrics of the song is pretty much drives the movie.

Excellent, expansive photography of rural Nebraska and some good strong peformances all around. But, if you take a 6 minute song and make into a 2 hr movie, one shouldnt really expect a gripping plot.

Rating: * * +