Actually, this type of story is nothing new, but the angle here is very interesting. Clooney plays a legal "Fixer," a sort of consultant to a high-powered law firm, who is first on the scene to assess and call in the right players. But the film spends little time explaining this or anything else. Instead it focuses on more curious details and leaves it up to the audience to figure out not only Clayton's job, but the plot and point of the film as well.

On a play by play level, I greatly enjoyed this film. It adeptly engages. The writing is strong and the direction daring and even playful in an intense kind of way. And of course, great acting. So, again, while in the theatre seat – I had a great time – didn't want the film to end. But, when it did end, the aftertaste wasn't as sweet. Why? For such an innovative film, the climax plays out a bit like a TV detective series. Further, after developing a great cast of supporting characters, none of them reprise in the resolution. (IE: the son.)

Lastly, the film hints, teases, at a sort of supernatural intervention, or at least, twisted Pay it Forward edge, but ultimately drops that ball. Perhaps, the point was to emphasize the realism of Clayton's choice. Anyway, I found that a tad disappointing. And I'd have preferred the last shot to have been father and son sitting on a park bench reading together.

The overall grade falls between B+ and A-, I'll round up.

-- Book Contest --