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Panic
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MPAA RATING: R for language and elements of violence
Starring William H. Macy, John Ritter, Neve Campbell, Donald Sutherland, and Tracey Ullman
Alex (Macy) is dissatisfied with his family life, and his work in the father's (Sutherland) business...as a professional hitman. When he seeks the help of a counselor (Ritter), an encounter with a troubled young woman (Campbell) in the waiting room changes his perspective.
| GENRE(S): | Drama |
| WRITTEN BY: | Henry Bromell |
| DIRECTED BY: | Henry Bromell |
| RELEASE DATE: |
DVD: June 19, 2001 Video: June 19, 2001 Theatrical: January 12, 2001 |
| RUNNING TIME: | 90 minutes, Color |
| ORIGIN: | USA |
All critic scores are converted to a 100-point scale. If a critic does not indicate a score, we assign a score based on the general impression given by the text of the review. Learn more...
The average user rating for this movie is 8.0 (out of 10) based on 14 User Votes
Note: User votes are NOT included in the Metascore calculation.
Nick A. gave it a9:
In his first go as a Hollywood director, Henry Brommell whips an enthralling yarn that is all of penetrating relatable marital issues with melancholic authenticity, and lacing such with an equally absorbing subplot of a father-son hitman business. The film is directed astutely and consists of a wonderfully put together cast as well as a swift, family-conscious screenplay (also by Brommell) that brings life to an otherwise fatigued genre. As a bonus, 'Panic' delivers subtle, acerbic humor—an unexpected, undeniably charming, and very welcome surprise—through its bumbling, unsure-of-himself, low-key star, whose ever-cool state is enticing, especially given his line of work. The forever-great William H. Macy again captures our hearts as Alex, a unhappy, torn, middle-aged husband and father who finds solace in the most dubious of persons: a young, attractive, equally-messed-up 23-year-old named Sarah (Neve Campbell), whom he meets in the waiting-room at a psychologist’s office, where he awaits the therapy of Dr. Josh Parks (John Ritter) to discuss his growing eagerness to quit the family business that his father (Donald Sutherland) built. Alex, whose lust to lead a new life is obstructed by the fear of disappointing his dictating father, strikes an unwise fancy for Sarah, which ultimately leads him to understand the essence and irrefutable responsibility of being a husband to his wife and, more importantly to him, a good father to his six-year-old son, Sammy (played enthusiastically by the endearing David Dorfman). Henry Brommell’s brilliant 'Panic' is something of a rarity in Hollywood seldom seen (with the exception of 2002’s 'Road to Perdition') since its conception in 2000—it weaves two conflicting genres (organized-crime, family drama) into a fascinating, warm hunk of movie-viewing that is evenly strong in either direction—and it’s one that will maintain its exceptional, infrequent caliber and gleaming sincerity for ages to come.
Tony B. gave it a9:
excellent movie i cant believe this movie wasnt bigger. i didnt even hear about it until i saw it on tnt. i also found it extremely hard to find in stores but fortunatly i did find a copy today so happy excellent movie a deffinatly worth a viewing.
Pat C. gave it a 7:
A study of a clueless obtuse father Sutherland who simply doesn't know when to stop being domineering. Macy is suitably exasperated in his oddly repressed way. Campbell threatens to turn the plot into a soap opera. A good solid if not slightly unpleasant movie, an American Beauty lacking only complexity and insight.
Jeremy M. gave it an 8:
Macy is fantastic, but the kid was painful. All in all great.
Seth V. gave it a 9:
Excellent, Superb!!! I loved this, William H. Macy does an amazing job "misdirection" type of acting. Also Neve Cambell is great to see out of her "Scream" roles.
Michael F. gave it a 9:
This is a really well told story. The film unfolds so perfectly from beginning to end. It is an anti-violence film about a hitman. Its brilliant! Macey is great. Everyone is great. The film is great from beginning to end. Expert direction by Bromell. A must-see!
Ryan M. gave it a 10:
Turns out to be the single best thriller in years!
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