This is an unusually interesting story about important and relevant issues as one would expect from John Sayles. But somehow his direction flattened everyone's performance to a dull gray -- quite a feat since the stellar cast is full of actors who can deliver a wallop. It's as if someone (Sayles?) told them to "Just read the words and don't mess up the screenplay" and had them watch old "Dragnet" episodes to capture the style. It could have easily lost a good 15 minutes to pick up the pace as well. Almost every shot lingered a moment or two beyond its natural lifespan. Perhaps writer/Director Sayles got so caught up in his vision, he discounted the living, breathing talent of his real life cast. The result is extremely frustrating.
Review of Sunshine State
