Spoiler Alert Another case of a superstar cast used to prop up writing that is loose at best. To the actors' credit, the characters as portrayed are three-dimensional and believable, for the most part. Unfortunately, several loose ends and unlikely occurrences hamstring the film. Cate Blanchett's character, whom we are to believe is a strong and independent woman fiercely protective of her children, fails to contact the authorities after twice being assaulted by Keanu Reeves, once with a multitude of witnesses. When she finally does call the police, she fails to bring up the attacks in support of her charges of breaking and entering. In fact, during the entire trial of Barksdale the issue never arises. The plot "twist" is also unfortunately predictable. I suppose this is a case of pandering to the lowest common denominator of filmgoers; how many movies are there based on the premise "you thought he was the good guy--but he's really the bad guy!" Finally, has it occurred to anyone that when Greg Kinnear goes off to the big house, Donnie will probably be released? And that he probably isn't going to be too happy with Blanchett (now without her protector, Ribisi)? This is a loose end that really ought to have been tied up.
