A dull lesson in history

History of ViolenceIf you like your violence slow and introspective, there is a slight chance you will be intrigued by "A History of Violence." If you're looking to kill time with an exciting Hollywood shoot-'em up, you will be very disappointed.

Viggo Mortensen stars as family man, Tom Stall. Unbeknownst to his family, Tom used to be a ruthless killer in Philadelphia named Joey Cusack. Joey has relocated to a small town in Indiana and he's married with two wonderful children. When Joey's past catches up with "Tom," the so-called history of violence is brought to our attention. Seems like a decent idea for a movie. Guess what? It's not.

I'm going to be straight up. I did not like this movie. I thought it was very slow and boring. Many people at my screening were restless and the movie is only 97 minutes long!

Certain unnamed publications have given positive reviews. Therefore, some critics find this style of filmmaking enjoyable. I found it to be tedious and the performances were unnatural, but that's just me.

As usual, what do I know?

The film's look is low budget and the picture and sound are not very clear. Obviously, it was made on the cheap but the violent scenes were shot with amazing realism. I tip my hat to the special effects department. They did an excellent job of recreating the death sequences.

"A History of Violence" is for adults. There is no need to bring kids to the theater. Since Viggo is the star, your children may want to see it but it's too violent and kids will be bored with the pace.

There is one major highlight. You get to see co-star, Maria Bello, in the nude. Unfortunately, her sex scenes are comical and painfully awkward to watch.

Sorry, ladies, Viggo only shows his backside.

Yes, I am being a little harsh with my commentary. "A History of Violence" is not that horrible.

I've seen worse.

I know somebody will come up to me and say they loved the picture and that I'm an idiot. Well, that's their problem, not mine.

REEL FACTOID

In "A History of Violence," the surnames given to the bad guys at the beginning of the film -- Leland and Orser -- are a reference to character actor Leland Orser, perpetrator of the crime of lust in David Fincher's "Se7en."

* Actor MATT BELLNER is a humanitarian from Burbank.

20051015i4xf2hkf(LA)Matt Bellner