THE PLEDGE

Starring: Jack Nicholson, Robin Wright Penn, Sam Shepard and Mickey Rourke

Director: Sean Penn

Running Time: 124 mins

Reno detective Jerry Black (Nicholson) is only six hours away from retirement when a call comes in that a seven-year-old girl's body has been found. Having to inform the parents of their daughter's untimely death, her mother makes him promise that what ever it takes he will catch the killer. When the local police bring in a mentally disabled man who fits the description of the person fleeing the scene Jerry's young prodigy, Stan Krolak (Eckhart) pressures him into a confession. The suspect then takes his own life and everyone considers the case closed, but something doesn't seem right to Jerry. The more he digs into the case the more he thinks that they haven't got their man.

Whenever Jack Nicholson is in a movie, he commands your attention. The man is the consummate actor of his generation and he delivers a great performance. Working again with his good friend, actor/director Sean Penn (they previously made The Crossing Guard together), the two produce a movie that grabs you from the off, but then loosens its grip a little. The middle of the film tends to meander along, which could lead to some people loosing interest.

Performances from the ensemble cast are very good, from a barely recognisable Robin Wright Penn as Lori and some great cameos from what must be all of Sean Penn's actor friends.

If you like character driven stories that slowly build to an unexpected climax, you will love this film. This is a movie that you really have to persevere with because in the end you will walk out of the cinema and discuss it all the way home.

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