A Perfect World - A-

On DVD (1993). Rated PG-13, 138 minutes. Trailer.

Set in rural Texas in the 1970's, this film tells the story of an escaped convict and his 8 year old hostage as they travel across the Hill Country. The film is written by John Lee Hancock (The Rookie, The Blindside) and directed by Clint Eastwood and features Kevin Costner's best performance. Costner is Butch Raines, a smart and decent man that had a bad start (because of a bad father) and hasn't been able to overcome it - he kidnaps Philip, an 8 year old without a father and living with his strict Jehovah's Witness mother. Click below for more on APW:

The two bond quickly through their shared father/son issues and in spite of the circumstances. Clint Eastwood stars as the Texas Ranger charged with chasing him down with Laura Dern in a cliched 'smart woman' role and a surprisingly manly Bradley Whitford as an annoying FBI guy. The script alternates between brilliance and goofy as the film switches back between the stories.

The film is probably more of a B+, but I identify very strongly with Butch (although I am not an escaped convict). He conceals his fatalism/hopelessness and troubles and shelters his 8 year old sidekick, Philip. Their interactions and general chemistry is very similar to what I have with my own children. Costner carries the weight of his character with ease and chews up the vintage Texas scenery with aplomb. The best scenes in the film are when he is letting Philip learn how to be a normal kid.

The film works through gender issues, media/government, fatherhood, religion, morality, consequences, etc. The central question is whether Clint's character did the right thing by depriving Butch of his father, SOB that he was. The film leaves the question unanswered - its not a perfect world.

Worth watching.