Michael Sullivan (Tom Hanks) is a gangster. He has two sons, Peter (Liam Aiken) and Mike (Tyler Hoechlin) and a wife Annie, (Jennifer Jason Leigh). He works for mob boss John Rooney (Paul Newman) and is quite renowned. His two boys lay in bed at night pondering what it is their father actually does. All they know is that he works for Rooney and sees him as a father figure and Rooney in turn sees him as a son. One day Mike decides that he is going to find out what his father does so he hides out in his car. He follows Michael and Rooney's son Connor (Daniel Craig) to a deserted warehouse. At first it seems that it is just a couple of guys hanging out and talking over their differences but then Connor starts shooting and Michael witnesses what his father really is. He runs away scared and Michael confronts him, warning him that he must never utter a word. Everything seems to go back to normal until Michael is handed a note by Connor to deliver to a client. Michael believes it is just a note from Rooney telling a man to pay up, but it is really a note telling the man to kill Michael. Connor, is jealous of Sullivan's and his fathers relationship and wants to get rid of him. Michael ruses home to find his wife and Peter dead and a very shocked Michael. The two go on the run and are perused by Harlen Maguire (Jude Law) a hitman. Michael decides that he wants revenge on Connor but is also determined to make sure his son doesn't end up like him.

I went to see Road to Perdition the day it came out and didn't really know what to expect. On one hand it was directed by Sam Mendes who did a brilliant job of directing American Beauty. On the other hand it had a really boring trailer that did the film no justice, because Road to Perdition is a brilliant directed, acted film.

The first thing is the plot. The plot is divdied into two sections firstly we have the story of Michael getting revenge for his families death but on the other hand there is a
story of how Michael bonds with his son and tries to teach him the right way to live. The film allows for some interesting characters, Michael and Mike are the two main characters and the one that the audience are drawn two. They are interesting enough to hold the film together. Michael is a man hardened by years of cold blooded killings but has some humanity left in him. Mike is a young boy thrust into the world of gangsters and guns that could potentially ruin his innocence. The plot however is a little thin on the ground and predictable. I saw the end coming a mile off. The plot also does drag a little at times and at times is a little two sickly and sentimental. The plot however is entertaining but is made all the more better by the acting.

The acting in this film is spectacular. Most notably Tom Hanks, the all round good guy in every film he's been in could have damaged this film. Who would ever buy Tom Hanks as a bad guy. Luckily, however he isn't a real bad guy, and is one of the good guys when compared to some of the people around him. Hanks reputation allows the audience to grow closer to him. Hanks does a brilliant job as displaying the range of emotions throughout the film and carries the film well. The next performance is that of Tyler Hoechlin (Mike). He puts in a stellar performance and doesn't get overshadowed by Hanks (who he shares most of his screen time with). He is a good innocent person who enjoys bible studies but doesn't come across as bratty or naive. Paul Newman is also good but doesn't have that much to do. He does evoke some sympathy because he genuinely cares for both Sullivan and Connor and it destroys him when he has to choose one. I also liked Jude Laws character and Law crafts him as an emotionless hitman and this in turns creates a big obstacle for Mike and Michael.

Sam Mendes again succeeds in his direction and creates tension, moves the audience and this helps overcome the weak plot. He handle
s the range of scenes, to the loud gun fights to the tender bonding scenes well. Some kudos also has to be given to the cinematographer, Conrad Hall (O Brother Where Art Thou) who provides some breath taking shots and helps create a dark and imposing atmosphere. He makes the film worth watching and will probably get a lot of attention at the Oscars for his outstanding work.

Despites it's short comings Road to Perdition is a film I would recommend because it is both thrilling and moving and boasts some outstanding work from a number of people.