During the Great Depression in poverty torn Chicago Tom Hanks plays a hit man Michael O’Sullivan to the mafia. Known as the “angel of death” Sullivan is the best at what he does. Raised from childhood by the don he is loyal to the mafia like he is loyal to his own family. To his two sons though his work is unknown and he keeps it that way. But when his younger son Michael tags along to see what his dad does for a living he is witness to a murder committed by the don’s son Connor. When Connor decides that the boy cannot keep a secret he goes to murder the boy but is unsuccessful. This leads Hanks to take his son on the road to try and protect him and to get back at the mafia for what has happened to his family.

The movie is a bitter sweet journey of a mafia hit man that has to try and protect his son from the life he has led and at the same time try and save him where he could not save himself. Hanks has proven time and time again that he is probably Hollywood’s most versatile actor and he does it yet again. His portrayal of the grief stricken Sullivan is very enthralling as you cannot help but feel for this character that is basically good but commits the most heinous of acts. His love for his son comes through even through even though he does not how to express it. The movie is very gritty and does not have that typical Hollwoodish feel to it, instead it is more true to a gangster type of life rather than the happily ever after one. The young actor who plays the young son of Hanks does a very break through job as he is torn between two worlds. The movie also does mix in a little bit of humor but this is your movie that is more drama and uses humor to break it up a little. The movie enthralls you and keeps you on your seat wondering what will happen next. The movie is already gaining Oscar notice simply because it is that good. This is usually your typical fall drama movie but makes a great diversion for any summer day. Those who love dramas and have been waiting to see a good gangster movie and have been feeling lacking since the Godfather must see The Road to Perdition.
4 stars out of 5