One Hour Photo MPAA Rating: R Entertainment: +2 Content: -2 1/2

Perfectionist Sy Parrish (Robin Williams) works very diligently, developing pictures at the SavMart one-hour photo booth. The pleasant, mild-mannered photo clerk takes a particular interest in the Yorkin family, who have brought their film to Sy for at least 10 years. Lonely, middle-aged bachelor Sy fantasizes that Nina and Will Yorkin (Connie Nielsen and Michael Vartan), along with their 9-year-old son Jake (Dylan Smith), are the perfect family. Sy even imagines that he is like an uncle to them. Unfortunately, when the roll of film destroys his perception of the Yorkins, Sy takes drastic measures to make his family picture perfect again. This suspenseful, psychological drama requires close concentration to understand Sys obsession with the Yorkins. Ultimately, ONE HOUR PHOTO is more depressing than entertaining, in spite of Williams outstanding performance.

As the R rating indicates, ONE HOUR PHOTO cannot be called a family movie, even though it vividly stresses the importance of family. Young Jake senses Sys sadness and longing before his mother does. When he asks his mother what they can do for Sy, Nina suggests they close their eyes and send good thoughts to him. Without mentioning God, this almost appears to be a prayer, although with a possible New Age bend. Sy understands the value of photos in family history, as they nearly always capture moments of happiness. His need to belong is heart breaking, as well as scary. Sy even spies on the Yorkins, following Will and another woman to a hotel. He then terrorizes the adulterous couple with a knife. Except implied by the hotel room, no sex acts are shown. However, Sy forces the nude lovers to pose in lewd positions that briefly expose rear nudity to viewers. In another scene, pornographic photos of couples in various sex acts are briefly flashed on screen. While not abundant, foul language includes almost 20 obscenities and a strong profanity. Gratuitous obscenities, lewd poses and pornographic photos develop a negative image for ONE HOUR PHOTO.

Preview Reviewer: Mary Draughon
Distributor: Fox Searchlight, 10201 W. Pico Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90035