Today’s quick review: Road to Perdition. For years, Michael Sullivan (Tom Hanks) has been a loyal enforcer for mob boss John Rooney (Paul Newman). But that all changes in an instant when Michael Jr. (Tyler Hoechlin), Sullivan’s twelve-year-old boy, witnesses Connor Rooney (Daniel Craig) commit murder. Shunned by his old associates, Sullivan flees across the country to keep his son safe from the hitman (Jude Law) hired by Connor to eliminate them.
Road to Perdition is a crime drama about a father forced to deal with the consequences of his violent profession. Road to Perdition follows Michael and his son as they embark on a weeks-long road trip to avoid the long reach of Connor, the treacherous heir to John Rooney’s criminal operation. Their goal is Perdition, a small town where they can live in safety. Along the way, the two of them come to depend on each other like never before.
Road to Perdition has the craftsmanship it needs to tell a satisfying story. The movie hits both ends of the emotional spectrum with equal skill: light moments of organic humor that punctuate the shadows cast by Connor and his murderous deeds. The criminal side of the plot gives it a strong skeleton, as Michael uses his skills against his former employers. The personal side of the plot complements it nicely as Michael finally gets to bond with his son.
Road to Perdition is a well-rounded movie that successfully combines the drama and danger of a gangster flick with the heart of a father-son story. The quiet skill of the movie keeps the viewer engaged throughout while the story builds to a memorable finale. The specific tonal blend may disappoint those hoping for a more action-packed crime movie or a lighter father-son journey, but the quality of execution is enough to win over even skeptical viewers.
For a Prohibition-era crime drama with a less redemptive tone, try Miller’s Crossing. For another crime drama about a man’s criminal past catching up with him, try A History of Violence. For a Depression-era comedy that pairs up an adult and child for a cross-country road trip, try Paper Moon. For a much darker and more suspenseful drama with similar story elements, try There Will Be Blood, No Country for Old Men, or The Road.
7.7 out of 10 on IMDB. I give it a 7.5 for a rich and well-told story.