ASH WEDNESDAY

Ed Burns latest film, Ash Wednesday, is a far cry from his earlier work (Brothers McMullen & She's The One). In his earlier films, Burns let the dialogue carry the picture. In Ash Wednesday, he focused less on the dialogue and more on the story, which is about the Irish Mob in 1983. This movie seems more like Burns' version of Road To Perdition, and less like the type of film we've come to expect from him. His last film, Sidewalks Of New York, had a Woody Allen feel to it, and also did poorly at the box office. With most up-and-coming directors there's a time for experimenting. But in Burns' case he has already proven himself as a talented writer; his screenplays have some of the most fun and clever dialogue one can offer. In Ash Wednesday, the dialogue is very stale and, at times, feels forced. At least the cinematography was great. He gave a style and a look to this film that he’s never done before. If he could mix the style of this film with the dialogue of his past films, he would make a huge leap as a filmmaker. The performances in Ash Wednesday also leave something to be desired. Elijah Wood plays Burns' brother, and gives a performance that makes his role in The Good Son look Oscar-worthy. You might want to skip Ash Wednesday, especially if you've enjoyed Ed Burns' earlier work. Here's hoping the next one is better.