Pledge, The MPAA Rating: R Entertainment: +2 Content: -2 1/2

I made a promise; youre old enough to remember when that meant something. Retiring police detective Jerry Black (Jack Nicholson) looks forward to spending more time fishing. But on the night of his going-away party, the body of a young girl is found in the snowy woods. When no one else steps forward, Jerry accepts the task of telling the girls parents. And he promises the mother, that the killer will be found. Jerry becomes obsessed with keeping his word, although his former co-workers think they already found the killer, a mentally-challenged Native American. Although hes retired, further investigation makes Jerry think otherwise. Purchasing a local gas station, Jerry exercises the patience of a fisherman as he gathers clues. But his bait could be the next victim. This slow moving tale is a fascinating study of one mans obsession with keeping his word. Although well acted, audiences may not be satisfied with this catch.

Dealing with a violent crime, several scenes include bloody bodies and pictures of victims. One gruesome scene indicates a mans suicide as his blood splatters the walls. And another scene shows a charred, burning corpse in a wrecked car. Obscenities are used a number of times and strong profanity shares in the offense. A woman and her daughter move in with Jerry and a sexual relationship is implied later. But no sexual acts or nudity are shown. References are made throughout the film to prayer, Christian beliefs and the Bible. But Jerry suspects everyone, including the local minister. He even envisions a young victims body laying on a church altar, but finds a simple country congregation instead. Jerrys suspicion seems to echo a distrust of Christianity reflected in a number of recent films. But graphic violence and vulgar dialogue break THE PLEDGE.

Preview Reviewer: Paul Bicking
Distributor: Warner Bros., 4000 Warner Blvd., Burbank, CA 91522