Premise - Michael Sullivan (Tom Hanks) is a hitman for gangster John Rooney (Paul Newman). When Michael's son, Michael Jnr. (Tyler Hoechin) witnesses his latest piece of work both are forced to go on the run in an effort to keep his son alive and to gain some revenge against his former employers. Director Sam Mendes was red hot after the Oscar success of 'American Beauty'. Some loathed the film, others (me included) loved it. So it was with much anticipation that I watched Road To Perdition. Mendes' interpretation of the gangster comic book, set in 30's Chicago. Thankfully I can say that Road To Perdition is an excellent movie, not as good as 'American Beauty', but still an excellent film. One of the things I loved about 'American Beauty' was the gorgeous look of the film. The combination of Mendes' direction and Conrad Hall's cinematography was a divine marriage. Mendes deliberate old fashioned shooting style was perfectly complimented by Hall's sublime lighting. It was a real treat for the eyes and this combination again produces the goods for Road To Perdition. It's a glorious looking movie with simply a stunning use of light. Dank, hotel rooms come alive and every nook and cranny on characters faces is explored. Mendes isn't a flashy director, perhaps it's his history of directing for the stage, but his style is very old fashioned. This is not a complaint however; his style works perfectly for the kind of films he makes, character driven movies. There's no fancy split screen or other such effects here, instead Mendes films his actors and lets them work. It's an approach that reaps rewards here as you have some amazing actors in this film that are giving some of the best work they have ever done. I fully expect Tom Hanks to by battling against Robin Williams (for One Hour Photo) next spring for the Best Actor Oscar. I've not been Hanks' biggest fan in the past, I've felt that on occasion he has picked roles because they are the kind of parts that the Academy are likely to warm to. Well, my opinion has now changed thanks to his mesmerizing turn as Michael Sullivan. Sullivan is a hitman; we learn this early on in the film, he is also a father. Michael Snr. has made his path and has walked it for many years, but he doesn't want his sons to become the same person that he has become. He is too far gone, but it's not too late for his family. Hanks plays this one spot on, like Mendes direction, this is not a flashy performance by Hanks. There are no scenes that scream 'Oscar Clip'. It's an understated piece of work that shows there is more to Tom Hanks than the usual audience friendly roles that he seems to be drawn to. I once read that great acting is when you don't notice it, Hanks completely convinces as Sullivan, a feat I previously thought would be impossible of him. Paul Newman is just a joy to watch in a film, he is no different here. He lights up the screen with his very presence and he is perfectly cast as John Rooney whom runs his operation like a family and holds Sullivan as dear as a son. However, sometimes tough love is required and Rooney is certainly not adverse to dealing out some of that. The scenes between Newman and Hanks are electric, Hanks acts with such respect around Newman, like a son would to a father. Newman is getting on in years, but hopefully we can get many, many more outstanding performances like this from him. In support there is Jude Law as a mysterious hitman. Law is an actor I had little time for in the past, but recently I have become more and more impressed by him. His roles in the likes of 'The Talented Mr. Ripley' and ' A.I.' have convinced me that he is indeed a talented young actor. His character here, Harlen Maguire is a cold blooded ruthless killer and Law nails it. His interactions with Hanks are excellent, especially an exchange in a diner. Also look out for youngster Tyler Hoechin as Michael jnr., another fine performance from a very young actor. Stanley Tucci crops up as Al Capone's right hand man Frank Nitti and perfectly plays the man who has to deal with all Capone’s dirty work. I touched on the relationship between Michael snr. and jnr. earlier, but the film uses this device at a greater level. The sins of the father is one of the films main themes and is mirrored in the relationship of John Rooney and his son Conner Rooney. Conner is a man whom is living off his father’s name. He wants to be his father (and his father wants his son to be like him), but he is completely incabable of being even a shadow of his father. It's a theme that drew me into the film further. For a gangster film Road To Perdition is certainly deliberately paced, its more 'The Godfather' than 'Goodfellas', but at no point is the film boring. It holds your interest all the way through and has some breathtaking moments. The 'tommy gun' scene and the almost blinding light from the first scene on the beach are moments that lived with me past the end of the movie. Mendes has done it again with Road To Perdition, an amazing blend of direction, cinematography and outstanding acting. Simply put, this is one of the finest films of the year.

9/10 for Road To Perdition. Poster Quote - Don't stray from the road.