Paul Haggis

Never, ever date a writer. It’s always a mistake. Just do not trust us.

While it's a dazzling feat of screenwriting, less would be more...Still, Haggis evinces remarkable skill [and] with actors like these, who needs subtleties?

In and of itself, the story offers rich dramatic material that Haggis exploits well, but the writer-director's unsubtle condescension to his audience represents small thinking.

Audiences may roll an eye here or there, but they're unlikely to lose interest in John's efforts.

The tasteful austerity of style and solid performances can't overcome a script that largely stands between emotional humanity and the viewer.