Movie Review: CONVICTION

photo © 2009 kekkoz | more info(via: Wylio)

Hilary Swank returns to the big screen in another strong female role as Betty Anne Waters, the real life every day hero who changed the course of her life for a family member. Set primarily in Massachusetts, the Waters case revolves around the murder of a woman and the conviction of Kenny Waters (played by Sam Rockwell) - a lowlife type whose only real attributes are his daughter and his sister Betty. Believing he is innocent of the heinous crime, Betty Anne Waters spends numerous years going to college, law school, and then in investigation of the crime she truly doesn't believe her brother committed.

Many viewers may already know the ending if they remember the news coverage around the event - much of which involved recently re-elected Attorney General Martha Coakley (who is portrayed only briefly on screen in the film). If you know the outcome - which is a twist in itself - this movie is still worth seeing for the great acting from Swank and Rockwell. If you don't know the ending going in, don't read anything else about the film as the payoff will be that much greater.

Technically the film is a little choppy - the editing, pace, and supporting character development left quite a bit to be desired. That being said, the story itself is so fascinating and compelling that forgiving the films technical flaws becomes quite easy. I would give Conviction a 7.5 out of 10.

Family Take: The movie is rated R for grisly images of the crime scene in question and for quite a bit of profanity. Older teenagers could handle the story, but younger teens and children should seek entertainment elsewhere.

If You Like Conviction Try: The movie this most reminded me of is John Travolta's A Civil Action. Also set locally, this is another very compelling court case story involving water contamination.