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High-risk criminals will also show a warm side in front of innocent and kind children. People are yearning for beauty. Criminals who have never received fatherly love give the kidnapped child the perfect fatherly love

This film is an interesting example of the so-called "Stockholm"-effect: This a psychological term for a perpetrator/victim situation where the perpetrator does/says things that eventually convince the victim that he/she is actually better off being with the perpetrator. In this film the true colours of Butch (a murderer who kidnapped a boy) comes through in scenes such as his conduct towards the African-American family (who provided him with lodging for the night), yet the boy, in the last scene, prefers to stay with the perpetrator. Even 2 of the cops become convinced that the criminal is actually a good guy! The Jehovas Witness-bashing was surprising and disappointing (coming from Clint Eastwood). PS I do not belong to the "Jehovas Witness" religious group.

I think, I could like that movie, if it were not so exaggerated. I mean, the relationship between Butch and the boy is totally unrealistic. First, he kidnaps him, and then he becomes something like a father for him and forgive him even, that he shot him down! By the way: really interesting, that Costner survives that shot and later a second one, given by a professional sniper! And that part of the story about Clint Eastwood, Laura Dern and the other investigators doesn't fit in the whole thing, first of all because it is told in too less scenes. What a pity: that movie could have been really exciting and emotional. Sometimes, less is more.

Great collaboration between Eastwood and heir apparent(It seemed so when the film released) to the western crown Kevin Costner. Eastwood's direction is, as usual crisp and the movie dives deep in the emotions of an escaped convict and his choices in life. Every shot is meticulously thought out, as Eastwood presents what some would say a Kubrick style film. The message of life through this dark movie slows the pacing at times, but is rewarded by Costner's acting. Kevin's films have been all but impressive over the last few years, but this performance stands out in my mind as his best. The ending is a tad bit off key with the rest of the film, but I understand why it was ended that way, it just could have been rewritten a few times. This is a good film to watch if you are looking for a heartfelt story.

Short and Simple Review by WubsTheFadger John Lee Hancock has written a beautiful and touching story. The plot is powerful and moving in many ways. The acting is great Clint Eastwood, Laura Dern, Keith Szarabajka, and T.J. Lowther all perform well. Kevin Costner gives the best performance as a likeable, kind, and caring criminal in need of freedom. The pacing is smooth but the runtime is a little overlong. Pros: Powerful and touching story, great acting, amazing performance by Kevin Costner, and smooth pacing Cons: Overlong runtime Overall Rating: 8.8

I know it's becoming an organized sport to abuse Kevin Costner, but this is one performance of his that should put the lie to the idea that he can't act. This is by far his most affecting, complex performance. The scenes with director Clint Eastwood (far more generous to Costner than to himself) and Laura Dern are a bit contrived, but those with Costner and the boy are amazing: gripping, real, funny, and scary by turns. See it; it's an overlooked gem.

If you haven's seen this movie, what are you waiting for? If you have, you know what I'm talking about, at least I hope you do. I consider this movie as Kevin Costner's best performance after the "Dances with Wolves" (in which he was also the director). This film goes side to side, with some other Eastwood's miracles ("Mystic River", "Million Dollar Baby"). Eastwood is also in it but he has put himself aside, so that Costner and little T.J. Lowther could show us what a great actors they are. Primarily, this movie talks about friendship, but it also shows us, how fragile our lives are, and how we should appreciate what we have. With all that, it also includes a little dose of humor, which concludes this great movie! If you ask me, it is a shame not to watch it.