Mystic River (2003)

Throw a stone in a pond and it makes a ripple. Throw a wrench into one life and it ripples out into the lives of everyone around the first life. What is done, whether it be a stone or something else, cannot be undone. So goes the philosophy behind this film, Clint Eastwood's latest and his first worthwhile project since A Perfect World. It's an examination of the ways we as humans deal with adversity and grief -- some buckle, some rage against it and some simply shut it out. The engine that drives this thematic freight has a few plot contrivances but remains convincing, helped along by acting that deserves every little bit of the acclaim it's garnered. (Let's face it, this is Penn's year.) A sad, measured and painful film, and one that's not easily shaken off. (The last scenes in particular are tough to shake, though that may just be my internal struggle over whether the film itself or just one particular character lends credence to Penn's actions.)

Grade: A-