Plenty to Like, Plenty to Dislike

Don't Believe the Hype

The best films of this genre always show a path and provide a takeaway for being a better person.

There is, somehow, an interesting story here, as well as some good acting. There are also some good scenes

Though Sleepers is actually, quite gripping and enjoyable, the film does struggle with some demons that put its credibility is some sort of disrepute.There is the Vicious Cycle conundrum of course, that is quite possibly the reason for the whole entire mess the boys went through. The neighborhood is rough and tough, so, it breeds more of the same conditions as its community attempts to survive. The boys steal because it is the nature of their reality. So, are the boys at fault?Then there is; The Sins of Your Father. Shakes's father did say; "Nobody in this family should do time, I did enough time for everyone". Then also, nature vs nurture and of course, do two wrongs make a right? On top of all of that, Father Bobby's dilemma, it and it against Shakes mentioning that; all that abuse and torture they experienced, they prayed to the same God Father Bobby did, but no help came... Was Father Bobby that help, finally, in that manner?Sleepers does bring up a lot of difficulties we experience as a people,and that is a good thing, but, did it tackle them well? I mean, what is the Hot Dog Vendors story? He has one, and it isn't told, it can't be told, but it is there, and it could be anything.Anyway, Joe Perrino stole the show. After a performance like that, it's too bad that his career seemingly faded into obscurity... But I'll say it again, Joe Perrino was truly amazing. Brad Pitt and Kevin Bacon too, as well as De Niro and Jason Patric were well above par and Minnie Driver was stunning. Sleepers spent too much time setting up, when it could've spent more of that time tying all the parts tighter together, which would've improved the quality and enjoyment even more, but still, the final product was well worth a watch. 7.1/10.

Barry Levinson's Sleepers is a deliberately paced, downbeat look at revenge, and is one of the most brilliant yet seemingly overlooked dramas of the 90's. Part of it could have been marketing; The cover suggests blistering violence, confrontation and courtroom intrigue. While there are such moments within the narrative, they live to serve the story, which Levinson and his dream cast are doggedly intent on telling. It's a sombre affair to be sure, slow and methodical as well, but never to be confused with boring. It's just such a great story, one that unfolds exactly as it needs to. It starts in the 1950's, where four young rapscallions run wild on the streets of Manhatten. It kicks the story off with a sort of urban Stand By Me vibe, and if you thought that film went to some heavy placed, stick around through Sleepers. When an innocent prank ends in tragedy, the four are sent to an austere children's correctional facility, where they run afoul of some sadistic and abusive guards, led by Kevin Bacon, who is scummier than scum itself. They endure months of ritual abuse at the hands of these sickos, until their eventual release. Life goes on, as it must, the four boys grow up and follow very different paths from one another. Michael (Brad Pitt) becomes an esteemed lawyer. Shakes (Jason Patric) lives a quiet life, while Tommy (Billy Crudup, wonderfully cast against type) and John (Ron Eldard) take a darker road to drugs and crime. Eventually their past rears it's head, and they are presented with an opportunity for much delayed revenge. It doesn't all play out the way you may think though, and half the fun of this one is being surprised by geniunly lifelike plot turns and characters who behave as real humans would. Pitt is the highlight in a performance of quiet torment. Dustin Hoffman is fun as a washed up lawyer who gets involved, Minnie Driver shows up as a tough NYC gal who gets involved with Patric, Robert De Niro has a nice bit as a kindly priest who counsels the boys even until adulthood, and there's further supporting work from Jonathan Tucker, Bruno Kirby, Frank Medrano, Brad Renfro, Terry Kinney and more. Levinson usually takes on bright, chipper comedies and razor sharp political satire. With Sleepers he deviates into tragic dramatic material, and shows his versatility excellently. This one gets grim, no doubt about it. However, it's a story not only worth the telling, but worth the watching for us.

SleepersWhen falling asleep around the male species it is best to do so with a bear trap between your legs.Unfortunately, the boys in this thriller could not access any anti-rape weaponry.When an innocent street prank goes wrong, Hell's Kitchen troublemakers Shakes (Jason Patric), Michael (Brad Pitt) and Tommy (Billy Crudup) are sentenced to serve in an upstate boys home. Interned, they are repeatedly raped by the lead guard (Kevin Bacon) and his squad.Years later, the friends exploit their positions in the media and justice department to takedown their former abusers with false testimony from their neighborhood priest (Robert De Niro).An unsettling account of juvenile detention supplemented by an even more controversial form of retribution, this dark and dubious adaption of the semi-nonfictional novel is an intense and unforgettable experience.Incidentally, if the predatory guards had been female the courts would've sentenced them to life on probation.Green Lightvidiotreviews.blogspot.ca

Sleepers (1996): Dir: Barry Levinson / Cast: Robert De Niro, Kevin Bacon, Brad Pitt, Jason Patric, Dustin Hoffman: What the title represents is beyond me but the story regards four boys who are sentenced to the Wilkinson Home for Boys after a prank goes seriously wrong. They undergo years of brutal and sexual abuse by the head guard. They have one friend, a Priest who visits them. When released they encounter the guard again and take a murderous revenge. Catchy setup results in an ending that is wrong regardless of the arguments. Director Barry Levinson creates realism and insight just as he achieved with Rain Man and Diner. Robert De Niro is superb as a Priest placed in a difficult position but that is what opens for a corrupt ending. Kevin Bacon is excellent as the abusive guard who discovers karma in his future. Brad Pitt and Jason Patric portray the victims who pulled the wrong prank and suffer to extremes. Dustin Hoffman steals scenes as the opposing lawyer who may have an issue with his eyes. Viewers can definitely sympathize with both individuals but the film's willingness to take its eye for an eye justice as it does, just doesn't present much faith in any justice system. It addresses sins and the consequences that drive us to commit certain decisions. It is a dark and unpleasant film based on dark and unpleasant circumstances. Score: 7 / 10