Opened: July 12, 2002

Directed by: Sam Mendes

Starring: Tom Hanks, Tyler Hoechlin, Paul Newman, Jude Law, Daniel Craig, Stanley Tucci, Jennifer Jason Leigh, Liam Aiken, Kevin Chamberlin, Dylan Baker & Ciarán Hinds

Focusing on the loss of innocence of a boy and the loss of faith of his father, Road to Perdition is beautifully crafted noir crime film from director Sam Mendes.

Michael Sullivan (Tom Hanks) is a mob enforcer working for John Rooney (Paul Newman) unbeknownst to his son Michael Jr. (Tyler Hoechlin). When John’s son Connor (Daniel Craig) turns on Michael and kills Peter (Liam Aiken) and Annie (Jennifer Jason Leigh), Michael Jr. escapes with his dad and goes on the run.

The cinematography in the film is beautiful. Conrad L. Hall creates shots that have a deepness to them and lets you further into the minds of the characters without them having to utter a word. Thomas Newman’s score also builds tension and is never more perfect than in the final shootout.

Final say: Haunting from start to finish. ★★★★☆