The Woodsman (2004):

Starring:

Kevin Bacon - Walter

David Alan Grier - Bob

Eve - Mary-Kay

Kyra Sedgwick - Vicki

Benjamin Bratt - Carlos

Carlos Leon - Pedro

Michael Shannon - Rosen

Kevin Rice - Candy

Mos Def - Det. Lucas

Hannah Pilkes - Robin

Director:

Nicole Kassell (First Feature Film)

Synopsis:

After twelve years in prison, Walter arrives in an unnamed city, moves into a small apartment across the street from an elementary school, gets a job at a lumberyard, and mostly keeps to himself. A quiet, guarded man, Walter finds unexpected solace from Vickie, a tough-talking woman who promises not to judge him for his history. But Walter cannot escape his past. A convicted sex offender, Walter is warily eyed by his brother-in-law, shunned by his sister, lives in fear of being discovered at work, and is hounded by a suspicious local police officer, Detective Lucas. After befriending a young girl in a neighborhood park, Walter must also grapple with the terrible prospect of his own reawakened demons.

Review:

What I would deem as a very realistic look into the world of convicted child molesters & how they are trust back into a world to which they cannot control their own inner demons & desires. At first I was thinking that this movie gives almost a positive look into the world of it because you shouldn't want to cheer for Walter yet you find yourself hoping that he will be able to control his urges & change his life. Disgusted that I was forced to see Kyra Sedgwick naked though.... Gross. Anyways Kevin Bacon is incredible in his portrayal as he struggles with what he wants even though you get the feeling that he wants to change & become accepted again into the world he once knew. His relationship with his sister's husband (played by Benjamin Bratt) adds an awkward human quality to him. Has a pretty awesome ending too which I enjoyed. And the one scene where he comes to a major realization about his past & what he is was a pretty powerful thing.

Budget: $2,500,000

Box Office: $4,500,000

Profit: $2,000,000

Rotten Tomatoes: 88%

Flixster: 73%

90%

Lead Acting: 15/15

Supporting Cast: 12/15

Plot: 10/10

Compared To The Genre: 10/10

Cinematography: 16/20

Intrigue: 20/20

Extra: 7/10