I know this picture opened way back in January, but I only recently had a chance to check it out. The drama was actually directed by Sean Penn, and this is his third directorial effort (following Indian Runner and The Crossing Guard), and like his previous movies, The Pledge has many fine elements but it seems that Penn often shies away from giving the audience what they want. That may sound like a cop out, but The Pledge often takes turns that don't feel right, and ultimately disrupt the rhythm of the picture.

Jack Nicholson (in his first outing since his Oscar winning turn in As Good as it Gets) is fantastic as a police officer on the verge of retirement, who feels he must tackle one last case before he actually calls it quits. It seems that there has been a horrible murder committed in a small, sleepy town. Nicholson becomes obsessed with the goings on surrounding the murder, and actually makes a pledge to one of the victim's loved ones, swearing that he will find the monster responsible for the crime.

The first half hour of The Pledge is quite riveting, as the police department interrogates an Native American (a haunting and brilliant Benicio Del Toro) for the murder. Then the film abruptly changes gears as Nicholson moves to a nearby town and buys a run down gas station. Of course, he's still very much involved in the case. Nicholson is compelling and understated enough to have kept me from being bothered by the film's sudden change of tone. I'd follow this actor just about anywhere.

Being an actor himself, Penn is obviously fantastic with his cast. He gets great performances from Nicholson, Del Toro, Aaron Eckheart, and wife Robin Wright. As a director, he's improving but has a ways to go. There are moments in The Pledge that are supposed to evoke tension, but for whatever reason, they don't. Certainly, the film offers it's share of unexpected surprises, and I must confess, that not once did I know where The Pledge was headed.

The heart of The Pledge sort of reminded me of Arlington Road in that this is not really a picture about a situation. This is the story of a man consumed by his work. A man who ultimately lets his obsession and paranoia get the best of him. With a veteran actor leading the way, you almost buy it. Penn has fashioned a film that is meandering at times, but interesting enough to recommend.