25th Hour

In a Nutshell: Surprisingly good for this genre (which I don't usually care for). Well done, but not a must see IMO.

Quick Plot: In Spike Lee's latest offering, Monty Brogan (Edward Norton) faces his last day of freedom before heading off to prison for 7 years for drug dealing. He spends his last hours with his dog, girlfriend, father, and two best friends. Backstory is provided in flashbacks.

In Detail: Let me say up front that I don't usually like this type of film. I go to the movies generally to escape. If I wanted reality (and I don't mean Survivor), I'd turn on the news. Films like this also tend to be too intense for me. This one, however, was an exception. I'm not sure I'd say I liked it, but I didn't dislike it either (which surprised me, I thought I would). I was concerned by the opening scene, but it all turned out fine. Every part is well acted, the subject matter a bit controversial (but not as much as is normal for a Spike Lee Joint), and the intersplicing of present and past is well done. Pay attention for the small things; they make a big impact if you catch them. This film certainly isn't for everyone, but for the genre, it's quite good. Worth seeing, but not a must see. Would lose nothing on the small screen.

Will I Buy It? Unlikely. I'm glad I saw it, but it's not the kind of film I would enjoy watching again and again.