Eastern Promises

David Cronenberg has made another slow and steady crime drama. Although Eastern Promises may have a lower tally of overall violent scenes, it still has the gore and gross effect. Viggo Mortensen is excellent in his role, showing yet again that not only is he an excellent character actor, but that he is worthy of Oscar recognition. Naomi Watts is, well, just plain the same character she often plays. So anybody could have played her role. Armin Mueller-Stahl delivers a very cool performance, but again, it's the same performance he has delivered so many times in the past. And Vincent Cassel is, yes, pretty much the same type of guy he played in Derailed. So from an acting perspective, only Viggo delivers a top notch "unique" performance. That being said, this is a good movie, with a fairly good story, albeit simple. There are some storyline flaws, but this is a small movie, made on a small budget, so we'll forgive those oversights. Is it worth seeing? Yes, which is why I give it 7/10. Is it worth seeing above other movies currently playing? Maybe, maybe not. It depends on what's playing at the time and what mood you are in. It is NOT an action movie by any means. It is a slow and steady drama, like A History of Violence, but with less movement and pace.