Saying that this movie is "loosely based" on the Dostoevsky is like saying that Janet Reno is loosely based on Janet Jackson -- they have the same name, but not much else in common. The premise -- already a bit trite -- is hampered even further by the lame attempt at literary allusion. You keep expecting something you're not getting, and what you are getting isn't all that exciting. I felt like I was watching this movie underwater -- I could see and hear, but I wasn't sure what was going on. The characters are completely inconsistent, with the possible exception of Ellen Barkin. Vincent Kartheiser is a very good actor, with plenty of potential to be dark and ominous and creepy. But he wasn't -- his character's self-image/intentions were totally unclear. I'm unimpressed.
Review of Crime + Punishment in Suburbia
