A Perfect World

High-risk criminals will also show a warm side in front of innocent and kind children. People are yearning for beauty. Criminals who have never received fatherly love give the kidnapped child the perfect fatherly love

This film is an interesting example of the so-called "Stockholm"-effect: This a psychological term for a perpetrator/victim situation where the perpetrator does/says things that eventually convince the victim that he/she is actually better off being with the perpetrator. In this film the true colours of Butch (a murderer who kidnapped a boy) comes through in scenes such as his conduct towards the African-American family (who provided him with lodging for the night), yet the boy, in the last scene, prefers to stay with the perpetrator. Even 2 of the cops become convinced that the criminal is actually a good guy! The Jehovas Witness-bashing was surprising and disappointing (coming from Clint Eastwood). PS I do not belong to the "Jehovas Witness" religious group.

Great collaboration between Eastwood and heir apparent(It seemed so when the film released) to the western crown Kevin Costner. Eastwood's direction is, as usual crisp and the movie dives deep in the emotions of an escaped convict and his choices in life. Every shot is meticulously thought out, as Eastwood presents what some would say a Kubrick style film. The message of life through this dark movie slows the pacing at times, but is rewarded by Costner's acting. Kevin's films have been all but impressive over the last few years, but this performance stands out in my mind as his best. The ending is a tad bit off key with the rest of the film, but I understand why it was ended that way, it just could have been rewritten a few times. This is a good film to watch if you are looking for a heartfelt story.

Short and Simple Review by WubsTheFadger John Lee Hancock has written a beautiful and touching story. The plot is powerful and moving in many ways. The acting is great Clint Eastwood, Laura Dern, Keith Szarabajka, and T.J. Lowther all perform well. Kevin Costner gives the best performance as a likeable, kind, and caring criminal in need of freedom. The pacing is smooth but the runtime is a little overlong. Pros: Powerful and touching story, great acting, amazing performance by Kevin Costner, and smooth pacing Cons: Overlong runtime Overall Rating: 8.8

I know it's becoming an organized sport to abuse Kevin Costner, but this is one performance of his that should put the lie to the idea that he can't act. This is by far his most affecting, complex performance. The scenes with director Clint Eastwood (far more generous to Costner than to himself) and Laura Dern are a bit contrived, but those with Costner and the boy are amazing: gripping, real, funny, and scary by turns. See it; it's an overlooked gem.

I don't understand why this film isn't rated higher. It's Kevin Costner's best acting job and the script is at least as good as Eastwood's previous film, Unforgiven. I think this is a great follow-up to his Oscar winner and doesn't get the credit that it deserves. The story is complex in its simplicity and there is a lonely beauty to it. I think it is one of the most underrated films of the 1990s, if not ever.

Oh my God what a masterpiece!!!!One of the greatest movies i've ever seen.Clint is an extraordinary director.Cevin is wonderful.The most touching film i've ever seen.A very strong movie about the friendship of 2 men,a relationship like a father to son.Kubrick haunts the direction and the ending is just wonderful.A Perfect Movie!!

Clint Eastwood's strange direction is the main culprit in this highly disappointing film which stars Eastwood as a Texas Ranger trying to track down escaped convict Kevin Costner. Naturally Costner has, with the help of another convict, kidnapped a young boy. After Costner gets rid of his partner, he and the boy try to stay away from the authorities chasing them. Costner and the boy start to develop a loving father-son-styled relationship, but all this does is complicate things for Eastwood and company. Eastwood is never sure where he wants to go here and this means his direction lacks the pace and conviction it so desperately needed. Costner is all right, but overall the film just never does feel correct. 2.5 out of 5 stars.