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.
Penn and Walken [are] at the top of their forms in roles that give them a lot to work with.
– Roger Ebert,
Chicago Sun-Times,
1 Jan 2000
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
rotten:
Less than intoxicating.
– Geoff Andrew,
Time Out,
24 Jun 2006
fresh:
General audiences will respond to the very strong performances of the two leads, especially Walken in one of his best roles.