Brad Whitewood Jr. lives in rural Pennsylvania and has few prospects. Against his mother's wishes, he seeks out his estranged father, the head of a gang of thieves in a nearby town. Though his new girlfriend supports his criminal ambitions, Brad Jr. soon learns that his father is a dangerous man. Inspired by the real events that led to the end of the Johnston Gang, who operated in the northeastern United States in the 1970s.
General audiences will respond to the very strong performances of the two leads, especially Walken in one of his best roles.
– Variety Staff,
Variety,
13 Aug 2008
rotten:
Less than intoxicating.
– Geoff Andrew,
Time Out,
24 Jun 2006
rotten:
There's something bold about the film's wealth of imagery, but it also so overstates the material of the screenplay that it eventually annihilates both it and the story.
– Vincent Canby,
New York Times,
20 May 2003
fresh:
Penn and Walken [are] at the top of their forms in roles that give them a lot to work with.