Review of The Crossing Guard (1995) by Robert L — 17 Apr 2010

Quite simply one of Jack Nicholson's most underrated performances. Some of his Oscar-nominated performances don't even compare to the outstanding work he does in this film. I think the entire film is underrated.

Sean Penn did a very good job for his second directorial effort. He wrote his buddy Nicholson a juicy role and it really shows. This is another one of those movies that really surprised me with it's power and emotion.

There's one pivitol scene in this film that I always remember where Nicholson phones up his ex-wife in the middle of the night and talks to her about a nightmare he had in which he hits his daughter with a car.

It's very compelling and powerful acting on Nicholson's part. I was brought to tears during that scene because Nicholson really went for it in becoming a blubbering mess of tears and raw emotion.

"The Crossing Guard" is about how unresolved grief and pain can literally poison and destroy us. The film is also about redemption and the power of forgiveness. I highly recommed this film because it's so underrated!