Review of A Perfect World (1993) by Shakib C — 01 Mar 2010

This is the type of movie that grabs your heart, and doesn't let go.

First off, I was semi-introduced to this film while reading John Eldredge's 'Wild at Heart.' Oddly enough, I was looking for a good movie to watch that day, and I figured 'Well, he more or less wrote a chapter about it in his book, so I might as well get it and watch it.'.

It was an astounding movie.

First off, let me explain how I rate movie. I look at story first and foremost. If you can grab me with a story or an interesting gimmick, then you've got me. Everything else can be crap, but if the story is good, it can be my favorite movie ever. Example: 'Stand By Me.' Technically, a low-budget movie with about a million flaws. The story, though, grabs me everytime.

Back to 'A Perfect World.' The story is almost perfect. It make you rethink everything about your life, and how you look at others. Clint Eastwood did a tremendously fantastic job directing, composing, and starring in this movie. He plays the noble sheriff looking for an escaped convict - Kevin Costner's character.

Costner is fantastic in this movie as he plays the 'bad guy,' who turns out to be a 'not-so-bad guy' after all. TJ Lowther, who played the little boy, Phillip, wasn't bad as a child actor, either.

The music was very Eastwood-ish, but appropriate at most places. The editing was classic early-90's, and the whole movie kept that kind of cloudy, gritty early-90's feel to it the whole film.

But this story goes so much deeper into the hearts of men, in particular. The commentary by John Eldredge on the story was phenominal, and made me appreciate this movie that much more.

Even still, though, this is a stand alone movie that is definitely worth a look. A new favorite of mine, without a doubt. One of the few where I have, actually, became teary-eyed.

"You know, Phillip, you have a g**dd****d red, white and blue American right to eat cotton candy and ride roller coasters.".