Search: Starring Bob Gunton

Fracture is clever, masterfully controlled by an actor whose love affair with the camera never seems to wane.

McConaughey works above and beyond his usual remit to remind us that he can also convey a formidable intensity and subtle sensitivity.

There is something about Williams that encourages compassion and commitment. Patch Adams may cut corners, simplify situations, sentimentalise even, but its heart is strong.

There is no room for quirky individualism, as writer Bill Wittliff shovels on the sentimentality. Even the dialogue is highlighted with italics.

It's easy to forget how violent and depressing the story is and it's only by evoking a powerful sense of horror that Darabont's masterful screenplay earns its climactic feeling of release.

Like the baseball diamond that features so prominently in his film, we all know which base will be dutifully tapped next and that a home-run for the characters is inevitable.