Road to Perdition: Retro Review

Happy Father’s Day!

I think this could very possibly be one of Tom Hanks’ most underrated roles. Twelve or so years ago when it was announced I remember being confused. Tom Hanks as a gangster? That doesn’t sound like it makes much sense at all. My father, who has always been one of the most influential and inspirational people in my life, loves gangster movies, so I’ve seen a ton of them while growing up. I didn’t think it was something Hanks could do, but he definitely proved me wrong. I love being proved wrong when my expectations aren’t the highest. Unfortunately, it doesn’t happen often, because I was taught by my father to have reasonable expectations.

I could go all day and talk about how my father, Jeffrey Jones, has taught me honor and patience and practical thinking and everything else, but then I would never be able to get to the review. I just want to make it clear that I love him and I appreciate his support every step of the way, even getting scolded by him brings pretty incredible results. Including my three grandfathers, Felder, Jones and Richard, I have had amazing male figures surround me all my life. Even my brothers and friends (a lot of whom are fathers now) have been great in times of need and personal growth. I salute you all!

Okay, so Road to Perdition. It’s based on a graphic novel series (with two sequels) of the same name, which is largely influenced by a manga series called “Lone Wolf and Cub.” The graphic novels are pretty good and, like I said, the movie definitely exceeds all expectations. It’s just as good now as it was twelve years ago. Interestingly enough though, it has a lot similarities with the recent high action movie “John Wick.”

Michael Sullivan is an enforcer for mob boss John Rooney (based on real life’s John Looney) whose son, Michael Jr. sees Rooney’s son Connor and his own father kill three men while at work. Connor freaks out and kills Michael’s wife and younger son Peter, because he believes Michael Jr. will talk. Michael and Jr. quickly leave the house and go on the run. Michael starts off with killing Rooney’s men and demanding he turn Connor over for execution. Rooney denies him and even sends an eccentric assassin after him, which causes Michael to resort to robbing his banks with Jr. as his getaway driver.

The performances are top notch and you can even feel Michael’s pain as he guns down a man he once considered to be father figure to get what he wants. There are so many great moments here and the action isn’t overblown or even too abundant. The tender moments between father and son are what really brings it home though. Michael is terrified of putting his son in danger and almost never brings him along to see him commit acts of violence. All things considered, he is a decent man and father. I know I usually engage in quite a bit of nitpicking when I do reviews normally, but other than a lot of slowing down for the plot’s sake, I don’t have many complaints at all. This is simply a good movie about a man and his son in VERY unfortunate circumstances.

Jonathan Jones

Jonathan Thomas Jones is a speculative fiction author and founder of geekhavenreviews.com. He has been passionate about all things geek for his entire life. See more about him at jonathanthomasjones.com and follow him on twitter @jtgloryjones.