Self-important, over-dramatic, uninspired.

Most undeservingly overhyped movie of all time??

When a movie has you begging for it to end not even half way through it's pure crap. We've all seen this movie and this characters millions of times, nothing new in it. Don't waste your time.

At first rather annoying in its heavy emphasis on reenactments, this movie ultimately proves fascinating, simply because the complicated, highly dramatic tale it tells still almost defies belief.

I immediatly found myself engrossed into The Lesser Evil, it's strong cast and fascinating plot gripped me and I expected something really quite special.Alas it wasn't to be, but the film certainly does have it's merits regardless.It has a real Stephen King feel to it, telling the story of 4 friends who meet up for the first time in 20yrs and are forced to face their sins. Set across both present and flashbacks I'm almost surprised it's not Kings work.Starring several industry veterans including Colm "Storm of the Century" Feore and David Paymer along with current popular comedy star Adam Scott the performances were never going to be in question.The plot starts off strong but starts to struggle, by the end it's devoid of originality and the fascination had long since waned.This is one of those films that genuinely saddened me as I hoped for something really quite good here. It's still interesting and the cast are fantastic, but it feels like potential not only squandered but thoroughly butchered.The Good:Some competent writingThe Bad:Some of the young to old casting is awfulLoses steamNaff finale which doesn't really make much senseThings I Learnt From This Movie:Religion isn't part of reality, wait no I already knew that

Four men reunite after 25 years to face a murder they covered up. The story is tangled web of deception that keeps you guessing by cutting to the past to reveal the lies the central characters tell each other. Every time you think you understand a characters motives your shown something that puts everything you thought you knew into doubt. A very cerebral film that kept me guessing right up to the end.

And its reputation to that end will grow as word-of-mouth continues to spread about this utterly gripping film, a sordid tale of four carefree young friends whose lives forever are changed within one instant. From the start, we are drawn into an inexorable spiral of almost unrelieved tension. An embarrassing encounter wounds the boys' pride, leading first to rash, childish posturing, immature decisions, and then to a mistaken identity in an abandoned quarry. The story becomes a steamroller in overdrive, as suspicions mount and personal loyalties melt away, overwhelmed by uncomprehending panic, sheer desperation, and the drive towards individual survival. No other film I've seen has ever led me to as much ongoing "what would I do?" self-introspection. The once-secure bonding among the four young men collapses, replaced by terror and the fear of discovery. This descent into the "eat-or-be-eaten" dark side is part of the relentless march away from civility that captivates us throughout. You'll not forget this film, its powerful imageries, and its fine cast's potent portrayals of psychological interplay. (Watch for legendary radio actor Mason Adams as the father of the deceased.) Highly recommended to adults.

A great movie that forces you to think. The characters aren't simply drawn in black and white, but deal in complex shades of grey. The film kept me guessing up to the very last scene. Whatever you do don't walk away from the television without pausing your VCR or you'll miss an important clue to the mysteries that the film unravels.