The simultaneous storyline is about a pedophile who has served his time and now lives in the neighborhood with his mother.  Jackie Earle Haley is nominated for his performance in that role.  He’s the town pariah, and he knows it, and yet he is not equipped with the tools to better himself or his situation.

There’s no good guy in this movie, and no bad guy.  The whole set-up is tragic from the start, the only bright light being the little children everyone is so desperate to protect.

Dark, and thought-provoking.  For adults only.

Three storylines intersect to comment on the current war situation.  The professor brings in a student for a chat – the student is disillusioned and unmotivated, but the professor sees something in him and wants him to achieve more, to step up and care more.  He tells the story of two of his students who did just that, by going against his advice and signing up to serve in the army.

At the same time, the two soldiers are off to fight this new, secret mission, the bright idea of Cruise’s senator.  The soldiers fall out of a helicopter and are left to fend for themselves in enemy territory.

And simultaneously, the senator is pitching his “save the world” strategy with the reporter, asking for her help in getting the word out that this idea is viable, and the solution that has been long sought to end the war.

Redford doesn’t have to work too hard on the acting end, he’s mentoring, which comes naturally.  As the senator, Cruise is smug, snarkily so, not winning over any fans with his transparent smile.  Not much of a stretch.  Meryl Streep stands out, conflicted over her part in this sham, feeling guilty, and used.  Michael Pe�a and Derek Luke are amazing – look for leading men roles for both of them in the future.

The movie is very dialogue heavy – lots and lots of talking.  Some war violence.

Weddings are a popular backdrop for romantic comedies, and in any good comedy, you need conflict.  That’s where Robin Williiams, or Reverend Frank, comes in.  His course on marriage is a requirement to a wedding at his church, so the young couple goes along with it.  Of course, mayhem ensues, there’s the misunderstandings, the over-the-top physical comedy, the misinterpreted intentions – the total formula.  Throw in a few robot babies and poop jokes and you’ve pretty much got the idea.  Of course, the requisite happy ending makes it all worth it.