"Atonement's" Saoirse Ronan absolutely hits the mark as an innocent teenager whose life got cut short. And as the film's narrator, she does a terrific job infusing warmth in some cold words.
Stanley Tucci is just plain creepy as the film's villain. This may sound awful, but I was hoping his character would be dead before the movie was over.
Mark Wahlberg brings a father's pain to life -- and he does it well.
You'll see Susan Sarandon go from carefree glamorous grandma to something much stronger. She's great to watch here.
And director Peter Jackson is like a kid in a special effects candy store. The master of "The Lord of the Rings" knows the world of make-believe well and he uses his tricks to bring the after-life alive.
It's so visually different than the dark moments on Earth it almost feels like another movie. And the more I think about it, the more I think Jackson wants you to feel that difference.
But what else will you feel?
If you're a parent, you'll probably go to an uncomfortable place, thinking about your own family.
The subject matter here is dark -- no question-- and sometimes tough to watch, and you should know that.
You should also take the PG-13 rating seriously or the potential nightmares will be your fault!
I really liked this movie. But I know others who couldn't wash the "creep" off after seeing it.
I think the narration is a real plus, with the murdered character able to help tell a difficult story with an often soothing delivery.
