THIS film is as predictable as they come and its slow pace nearly bored me to tears.

THIS film is as predictable as they come and its slow pace nearly bored me to tears.

It follows two brothers. The father’s favourite Sam (Tobey Maquire), a soldier due to serve in Afghanistan and whose impending service proves difficult for his wife Grace (Natalie Portman) and their children. The family’s stress increases as Sam’s brother Tommy (Jake Gyllenhaal) gets in trouble with the law.

With Sam overseas, Tommy attempts to reconnect with his family and starts by doing up Grace’s kitchen and romance blooms.

But instead of being a tense thriller this is a drab war drama.

Its messages are far from poignant and it’s conclusion hardly memorable.

TIM LINCE