"Levity" (2003 release; 101 min.) brings the story of Manual Jordan. As the movie opens, Jordan is attending a parole hearing, 20+ years after he brutally killed a 17 yr. old boy. Much to his (and our) surprise, he is released. He returns to the city where it all happened, and by happenstance strikes up a relationship with the preacher of a community center, where he gets free room in return for doing custodian work. Then one day, Jordan runs into the now 40-ish yr old. sister of the 17 yr. old boy he killed... At this point we are 15 min, into the movie.
Couple of comments: this movie is the labor of love from writer Ed Solomon ("Bill & Ted's Excellent Adventure", "Super Mario Bros.", "Now You See Me", etc.). Solomon also directs (the only movie he ever directed). The story of a convicted murderer seeking redemption is as old as the street itself, so the question is whether this movie brings a different angle or new perspective. I'm afraid the answer is a clear no. In fact, it's worse than that. The movie takes itself oh-so-serious, without any palpable or compelling reason. And it's not for a lack of trying from the all-star case. Billy Bob Thornton is Jordan. Morgan Freeman is the community center preacher. Holly Hunter is the murdered boy's sister. Worst of all, Kirsten Dunst plays a troubled youth who is completely full of herself, and then some. Just insufferable. I wish I could be more positive about his film, but alas, I can't. Bottom line is that at no point in time I felt emotionally invested in any of the characters, and hence at no point in time did I care for this movie one way or another.
I missed "Levity" when it came out in theaters in 2003, and frankly had never heard of it when I saw on HDNet TV's schedule the other day. Based strictly on the all-star cast attached to this film, I decided to watch it. I shouldn't have. No wonder Solomon never directed another film after this. Of course you shouldn't take my word for is, and hence I'd suggest you check it out, and draw your own conclusion.
Couple of comments: this movie is the labor of love from writer Ed Solomon ("Bill & Ted's Excellent Adventure", "Super Mario Bros.", "Now You See Me", etc.). Solomon also directs (the only movie he ever directed). The story of a convicted murderer seeking redemption is as old as the street itself, so the question is whether this movie brings a different angle or new perspective. I'm afraid the answer is a clear no. In fact, it's worse than that. The movie takes itself oh-so-serious, without any palpable or compelling reason. And it's not for a lack of trying from the all-star case. Billy Bob Thornton is Jordan. Morgan Freeman is the community center preacher. Holly Hunter is the murdered boy's sister. Worst of all, Kirsten Dunst plays a troubled youth who is completely full of herself, and then some. Just insufferable. I wish I could be more positive about his film, but alas, I can't. Bottom line is that at no point in time I felt emotionally invested in any of the characters, and hence at no point in time did I care for this movie one way or another.
I missed "Levity" when it came out in theaters in 2003, and frankly had never heard of it when I saw on HDNet TV's schedule the other day. Based strictly on the all-star cast attached to this film, I decided to watch it. I shouldn't have. No wonder Solomon never directed another film after this. Of course you shouldn't take my word for is, and hence I'd suggest you check it out, and draw your own conclusion.