Back To Index 25th Hour
 Barnes & Noble With this superb, gritty urban drama, controversial director Spike Lee proves again that, for all his thematic affectations, hes a formidable talent with a unique vision. 25th Hour, adapted by David Benioff from his own highly acclaimed novel, is perhaps Lees most accessible film to date, and it boasts some remarkable performances. Edward Norton is perfectly cast (and quite believable) as Monty Brogan, an upscale New York drug dealer to whom we are introduced just one day before hes to begin a seven-year sentence in an upstate prison. Within 24 hours he has to say goodbye to the people he cares about most: his Puerto Rican girlfriend (Rosario Dawson), his tavern-owning dad (Brian Cox), and his childhood best friends (Philip Seymour Hoffman and Barry Pepper). Lees peripatetic camera follows Monty throughout his last day of freedom, during which time he ponders the significance of his ill-advised actions and reevaluates the choices hes made. Like most of the directors films, 25th Hour is a quintessential New York story, and Lees fascination with -- and affection for -- his hometown is apparent in every scene, including several that refer to the events of September 11, 2001. But at bottom this movie is a character study, and without Nortons incisive interpretation of Monty Brogan the film wouldnt be nearly as successful. Norton succeeds in making his street-smart drug dealer a sympathetic character, and we predict youll remember the bitter rant Monty delivers on the eve of his incarceration. Hoffman makes the most of a muted character, and Pepper really scores as Montys smug stockbroker friend, who exhibits little sympathy for the convicted dealer but loyally sees him off. Dawson, heretofore underutilized in such mainstream fodder as Josie and the Pussycats and The Adventures of Pluto Nash, delivers her best performance to date as the girlfriend, Naturelle, and Cox has a fine supporting turn as the father. Lees direction is virtually unerring; he perfectly captures the essence of every scene, and for once he seamlessly integrates photography, editing, production design, and music. Poignant and plaintive, 25th Hour ranks at the top of Lees oeuvre. Ed HulseBarnes & Noble Interested in the song lyrics? - Check out themostlyrics.com! Looking For A DVD? - Check out dvd-a-rama.com! |
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