If you don't like this, we can't be friends.

Did you people see the same film I saw?

It is not deep, but it is fun to watch. It does have a bit more of an edge to it than other similar films.

It's a feast for the eyes. But what really makes this dramedy work is the acting.

This is one of those movies that can really become a therapeutic reality and an unexpected shock. it has been said, the earlier the trauma, the more difficult it is to unpack and deal with. If a shadow has a controlling lock on your life, then it needs to be brought to light. The challenge is going through the pain. Unless you or I have a supportive system, we most likely will never deal with those demons inside. This movie brilliantly shows how sexual sin can leave one highly disturbed and often missed by even those closest to us, namely family. And it is here the message is so powerful. How well do you know the people in your life? How much courage do you have to look at the behavioral signs of those closest to you and ask some very difficult questions? We are quick to say, "I love you?" but very slow to make the effort to look beneath the surface. You can't impart what you don't possess. One of the most powerful films ever made for its subject matter!

This is a surprising movie that sneaks up on the viewer in many ways--starting off with a bang and never lapsing into self-indulgence or violence for it's own sake; Andy Garcia, who produced the film, obviously cares about his part and surrounded himself with actors who felt likewise, the entire cast convincing in a combination of teen problem film crossed with a psychological thriller. It is also a film about family problems, and I found it never trivial and frequently a nail-biter.I'd never heard of this film, and would stress, with others who have written about it, that if you're thinking about watching it, you avoid written material about the plot: the surprises are half the fun!

It's quite obvious that Andy Garcia, who also co-produced this film, gave his all in the lead role, and the result is an honest, committed, often moving performance. The rest of the cast is also good, and although you could find some faults in the direction, it's generally OK. What is far from OK in this movie is the predictable, conventional script. Not only do we know almost immediately that Kartheizer's character is a psycho, but pretty soon we know WHY he's a psycho, too. I spent most of the time trying to determine which movie this one rips off the most - it's either "Primal Fear" (1996) or just plain "Fear" (also 1996). Trivial observations: Andy Garcia bearded is really hard to take (thankfully he shaves the beard early on); Linda Cardellini looks like Monica Belucci's younger sister (that's a good thing). (**)

This movie for me was really extraordinary, for a lot of different reasons: 1) I'm a teen ager and the facts of the movie make me reflect 2) the thriller story is rich of suspense 3) Andy Garcia is simply GORGEOUS!!!