Levity is a deliberately paced character study that certainly has shades of Shawshank Redemption and Billy Bob Thornton's own Sling Blade.

In the drama, Thornton plays a man released from prison after many years. Following his release, he returns to the town where he committed murder, hoping to find some kind of redemption. While attempting to put his life back together, he strikes up an unusual bond with a most unlikely woman.

Thornton is fantastic in a quiet performance. He has the good sense to know that a certain look is worth more than a thousand words, and he perfectly displays a sense of confusion and desperation. Freeman chews up the scenery as a local preacher who tries to benefit society by setting a good example for troubled youth. Certainly, Freeman could be considered the comic relief in this picture, but he handles this role the way he usually handles a role. With grace and charm. Holly Hunter is both sexy and strong as a single mom striving to keep her son away from a life of complete garbage. Rounding out the cast is an underwritten Kirsten Dunst as a young, spoiled rich girl who seems to be on a road to self destruction. There isn't much of a point to this character. She's simply there to help Thornton on his quest to goodness. It's a subplot that easily could have been erased from the picture.

Levity has it's moments. Thornton and Hunter have an interesting chemistry and it is their story that works best. Unfortunately, the pacing and too many underdeveloped subplots keep this movie from being the powerful piece it thinks it is. Ed Solomon's screenplay only works part of the time. Much of it's humor seems sorely out of place. Still, a tough revelation towards the film's end is handled in a interesting and realistic fashion.

The best reason to watch this film is for Thornton. He really has developed into a terrific actor. His lonely, tortured soul in Levity is a beautiful piece of work. He gives this murderer a heart and while his actions are unforgivable, Thornton injects a humanity that is very real.

Levity certainly isn't a bad movie, but I had hoped for a more moving experience.