Review: Conviction

Grade: A

Betty Anne Waters and her brother, Kenny Waters, were about as close as a brother and sister could be growing up. One day, in 1983, Kenny was arrested and convicted of murder then sent to jail with a life sentence without the possibility of parole. Betty was the only person who believed that Kenny was innocent and vowed to find a way to get him out. She is a mother of two, but spends all of her free time finding ways to help Kenny. She finally decides to get her GED and go to law school herself in order to free her brother. Along with the help of Barry Scheck and the Innocence Project, she finally succeeded in her goal and Kenny was released from jail after 18 years.

Conviction is based on an incredible true story and is an extremely well made movie. The writing is spectacular and really makes this movie an emotional watch. The direction was pretty good and really just everything about it was great. The make-up that they used on some of the actors, to show either their aging or to get them in character, was amazing and sometimes makes it hard to believe that it is still the same actor. Conviction is easily one of the best movies of the year and is probably on its way to a couple Oscar nominations.

Hilary Swank (Amelia, Million Dollar Baby) plays the lead role of Betty Anne Waters. I’m not usually a fan of hers but I do have to say that she was really good in this movie. Swank really pulled off this character very well and it is probably the best performance I have seen her give. Sam Rockwell (Iron Man 2, Choke) plays the role of Kenny Waters. Rockwell is an extremely, extremely talented actor who I don’t feel gets the recognition he deserves. Hopefully, after this year, people will be more familiar with him. He gives an incredible performance as Kenny Waters, one of the best performances of the year. Minnie Driver (Good Will Hunting, TVs The Riches) plays Abra Rice, a fellow classmate of Betty Anne’s who decides to help her with her case. I have always liked Minnie Driver and I’m glad to see her in a movie like this, she did a great job. The movie also features great performances by Melissa Leo, Juliette Lewis, Peter Gallagher and more.

Conviction is an incredible story of sibling love and is a truly inspirational movie and story. I feel that this movie was extremely well done and I hope it goes on to get some recognition. It features some of the best performances of the year.