A History of Violence

2.5/4 stars

This movie was well constructed and well acted enough to capture my attention for its duration, but it's ultimately disappointing in its pointlessness and ocassional implausibility. (For instance, Mortensen's crazy ninja skills don't seem quite justified by the fact that he used to be a hitman, especially since none of the other hitmen in the movie have them.) All in all, it's unpleasant enough with too little purpose that I can't recommend it. Oh, and William Hurt's Oscar nomination for such a short and cliched appearance, so obviously beneath his talents, is laughable.

Written October 15, 2007.