Review of A Guide to Recognizing Your Saints (2006) by Jason C — 14 Sep 2008

Here is a film that we have seen so many times before. Man looks back on his life while trying to fix relationships in the present. Although this is handled extremely well with some excellent editing which brings a new life to scenes that may seem repetitive it just isn't that interesting as a story.

Majority of characters are very flat and very annoying especially Rosario Dawson whom attacks Downey Jr for trying to get out of his shitty life. She's still hanging out the same window with a kid so fuck her.

Palminteri does a fine job of a father who seems to care more for one of Dito's friends as opposed to his own son. He's annoying but purposefully so. Had the film focussed on just one time period it could have been more complete and a much better film.

As it is we jump back and forth and never really feel anything for anybody. Prime example is Eric Roberts literally just walking on screen and that's it, it's a waste of a fine actor. Downey Jr is fantastic as always.

One scene sees Wiest as his mother baring her soul and doing all the talking, but it is Downey Jr whom out acts her by barely saying a word. It's all in his body language and eye movement.