Pride and Glory User Reviews

Limited screenings generally means one of two things in the movie industry: 1. It is a new release with a lot of hype potential that will explode late in the year to a huge audience or, 2. It didn't work out so well and nobody is showing it anymore. I'm not sure this particular movie falls under either category, oddly enough, so I'll create a third: 3. Wonderful gem, with little or no hype, that has been passed by and sent to die a slow death in dark movie houses with artificial popcorn and less than 80 seats per screen. It would be easy to dismiss this film as just another in a long line of dirty cops getting what they deserve, but that would be a terrible injustice. Wedged within 120 minutes are some truly spectacular performances, including more than one Oscar-worthy role. The scene is New York City and the Tierney family is mixed up in varying degrees with shady cop business. From the very beginning we get what is arguably Jon Voight's finest performance in long-term memory as Francis Tierney, Sr., long time NY police office. I have no other word to describe it than gritty, for he really captures the feel of what it must be to oversee a family of cops in NY, hardened by the job but clinging to the self-imposed necessity to protect the family name. His sons Ray Tierney (Norton) and Francis Tierney, Jr. (Emmerich), and step-son Jimmy Egan (Farrell) are tough cops, each with his own demons to fight.The amazing aspect of this film is that at no point can I clearly say who the story is about, and that leaves an impression on me, even now, as I think back to what I saw, that seemingly feels correct. A lot happens in 2 hours, and when you catch on to the director's vision it doesn't feel right to pick Ed Norton's character as the driving force, although it would seem like the way to go.This film is about ethics and morals and codes and bad cops and varying degrees of right and wrong, but it is also very much about family, in a twisted and seedy way. Norton is fabulous in this role as the tormented son who made a tough decision years ago that still haunts him. It is ultimately he who pursues the clues that lead him to unthinkable crimes within the precinct and ultimately his own family.Farrell, likewise, puts on a seamless portrayal of a cop with a family trying to get by, and I quickly was able to forget previous roles he played and immerse myself in his character as the step-son with a lot of skeletons to hide. The surprise role to me was that of Emmerich, playing the ambitious son who rose through the ranks, and now must face the consequences of his actions. Known well to me for two outstanding roles in Beautiful Girls (1996) and The Truman Show (1998), both as the best friend, if I had a vote in the Academy he would get a first ballot nod for Best-Supporting Actor, as his role really cements the family together and ties the story into one cohesive unit. Out of space..

01/03/2009, 2:37 am

I really enjoyed this movie but there were parts where the F-word was used non-stop. The story itself was very interesting though. The relationship between the father and his two sons, who were all cops, was very complex and made for a compelling story.

11/17/2008, 5:56 am

This movie is powerful, raw and honest and the acting is great. If you're squeamish, see something else. If you like a movie that makes you think, you'll like this one.

11/13/2008, 12:29 am

tedious, boring, dark and gloomy. overacted, predictable, way too long, and the biggest waste of an evening.

11/09/2008, 2:50 am

THIS MOVIE WAS EXCELLENT

11/08/2008, 4:26 pm

I was dizzy from the Hand Cameras, flash here and flash there. my eyes were sore, Do not some directors know how to use a straight camera, Try see some Clint Eastwood Films, and find oout how it is done. the Music was so bad at time I could not hear what was being said at times. I finally walked out.

11/05/2008, 2:27 am

The worst movie i ever paid to see! Slow,predictable and endless dribble.Production value of highschool kids.What a waste of money.

11/03/2008, 10:14 am

I fell asleep when they had the dinner scene, I actually walked out due to the slowness and boredeom of the plot. Very disappointed I figured Norton is the best thing for this film. Colin had a small part in as well. Don't waste the money please!!!

11/02/2008, 7:06 pm

I just got back from seeing Pride and Glory for the second time. After the first viewing, I couldn’t stop thinking about the story, the characters and the acting. I enjoyed it even more the second time around! Edward Norton, Noah Emmerich and Jennifer Ehle are the heart, integrity and soul of the film. I read the negative comments on this site and I wondered if we had all seen the same film. Peter Travers, the film critic for Rolling Stone magazine, wrote in his review, “Its value is unquestionable as drama and moral provocation. As Hollywood drowns us in the pap of Beverly Hills Chihuahua and the like, Pride and Glory has to fight for face time at the multiplex. And you wonder why smart movies are an endangered species.” It’s an intelligent, sensitive, exciting film with a lot of depth and from what I read here—it takes someone with the same qualities to get the value of it. If you are willing to let go of limited, preconceived ideas and surrender to the experience, you can’t help but see and appreciate the brilliance of this film.

10/31/2008, 12:52 am