The Free World

While the religious stuff is clearly set forth, it's easy to overlook, given the abundant humanity radiated by the leads, the hothouse atmosphere of the murder investigation that threatens them, and the explosion of violence that forces the issue.

Despite the drama's questionable, abrupt shift into B-thriller territory, its leads remain affectingly rooted.

Dog metaphors prove to be only one of Jason Lew's problems, as his debut The Free World is riddled with more than a few unfortunate directorial choices.

A movie that abruptly changes direction as it goes along while taking shortcuts that leave its characters underdeveloped and crucial plot elements barely fleshed out.

While there are some missteps in the story, there's a lot to admire in "The Free World," particularly in what is sure to be a breakout role for Holbrook.

Watchable leads elevate a downbeat story that takes its time to ignite.

What begins as a quiet, character-driven story of one man trying to break free from the shackles of his past flips the switch into gritty, down 'n dirty action thriller...

While his narrative is over-written, Lew has an unfussy and measured directing style that offers promise.

The pair get a good byplay going, and a couple of individual scenes sing, but overall, it's a creaky mess.

The Free World is a film that doesn't know what it wants to be, and its hodgepodge of tones and focus result in a frustrating viewing experience.

Despite actors who are clearly committed to the material, The Free World is an unfortunate misfire of banality.

Lew offers up enough soft pleasures in this blend of existential drama and lovers-on-the-run thriller, letting us dwell on modest hopes and dreams, worthy of his seemingly minor story with a large emotional scope.