Mystic River (2003) First Time Watching! Movie Reaction!

[@Scott_Forsell]

Everytime Samantha gets introduced in the intro I mimic her, raise my hand, and say "hello". Everytime.

[@samantha_schmitt]

👋🏼👋🏼👋🏼

[@Scott_Forsell]

@samantha_schmitt You should switch it up once. Have dudette do the intro and the dude raise his arm and say "hello". It would mess with long-time viewers a lot. I think that would be a fun subversion of expectation. Just a thought.

[@samantha_schmitt]

@@Scott_Forsell lol we do! Check out any of our “husband’s first time watching” 😊

[@fionnmaccumhaill3257]

​@samantha_schmitt For your cheer, you can watch "It's A Wonderful Life" again... unless that would mess up a new Christmas Tradition

[@Scott_Forsell]

I found one! Uncle Buck. Exactly as Samantha said. Very cool. Very odd. Entirely reversed. I was so discombobulated! Everything is backwards!

[@joelmayberry6771]

"We are not doing a good job picking movies". No you guys are picking amazing movies, they just happen to be sad. Lol

[@BigHatMatt]

Such a good movie. Phenomenal acting, great cast, and a stellar drama. We need more movies like this today. No over the top action, no constant one-liners, and no ridiculous/expensive effects. Just an engaging story.

[@Rian-zf7ye]

I’m so sick of people saying this. Great movies are put out all the time, it’s just most people won’t go see them because there’s no “hype” for it on twitter.

[@kristac5258]

@@Dave-hb7lxyou simply need to follow more people on other sites who watch movies that don’t get wide releases. Lots of great original stuff. Just much harder to find than back in the day.

[@BigHatMatt]

@@Rian-zf7ye Ok bud. never said movies like this don't still get made, I said we need more like it.

[@khalidalamri.]

The insider, would absolutely fit your discerption. And it’s based on a true story. Cast: Al Pacino - Russel Crowe - Christopher Plummer - Bruce McGill, etc.. And I hope they’d react to it.

[@Smoothjazzsundays]

@@Rian-zf7yemore bad than good movies though. I’ve left the theater disappointed more than satisfied the past 3-4 years

[@Cadinho93]

Sean Penn's acting in the "Is that my daughter in there?" scene makes me tear up every time. He wasn't just emotional, he had the panic and anger I'd imagine in that situation as well...just a superb performance. Also, both Sean Penn and Tim Robbins won an Oscar for their respective roles in this film (Sean Penn for Best Actor and Tim Robbins for Best Supporting Actor).

[@windandcloudshadow158]

As good as Penn was he did not deserve the oscar for this.

[@rollotomassi6232]

@@windandcloudshadow158 Same for Robbins, should have gone to KEN WATANABE for "The Last Samurai"

[@windandcloudshadow158]

@@rollotomassi6232 Agreed.

[@tidepride86]

Friggin internet lol...the scenes been ruined for me bc of funny memes

[@rxtsec1]

When I saw this at the theater for the first time I said to my friend Tim Robbins was gonna win a Oscar. With penn I said he would be nominated but he won also

[@Bluemgwes]

One of Clint Eastwood’s best films. The performances, writing, directing, and cinematography are top notch. Masterpiece.

[@Adino1]

It was an amazing movie, I loved it when I first saw it, but never wanted to watch it again.

[@ChadSimpson-ft7yz]

His best, in my opinion. How this didn't win best picture is beyond my comprehension.

[@AndrewJens]

And did you notice who wrote the music?

[@StrongandGrand]

@@AndrewJens Some of the soundtrack is on my playlist. Man's a genius!

[@DarthRandal1138]

I’ve always read that finger-gun scene as Sean telling Jimmy that he knows, and he’s coming for him, but Jimmy is confident there’s not enough evidence for Sean to take him down.

[@mnomadvfx]

It's not about that specific crime though. Sean knows that Jimmy has already done it twice now, and it's just a matter of time before he does it again. He's got a hunting dog on his trail now and it will never let up.

[@sparksdrinker5650]

I don't think he's coming for him

[@kellifranklin9872]

@@sparksdrinker5650 I agree with you. That’s how I read that scene.

[@thorstrebla980]

​@@sparksdrinker5650In any Clint Eastwood movie, you get that finger gun pointed at you, they come after you.

[@sparksdrinker5650]

@@mnomadvfx i think the opoposite, I think he'll let it go

[@YoureMrLebowski]

21:05 "is this ugly from good bad and ugly?" 👍🏼✅ Eli Wallach "Tuco" a distinctive voice.

[@afroahmed3989]

"A dream of youth, and i never had one " , Damn this movie hits hard , Clint Eastwood shook the world with this one , you gus are the goats for reacting to this one , and i hope you do million dollar baby next

[@clevelandcbi]

*SPOILER:* "If poor Sam thought this one was incredibly depressing, YIKES!!!!" - My daughter

[@shainewhite2781]

Nominated for 6 Oscars including Best Picture, but won for Best Actor Sean Penn and Best Supporting Actor Tim Robbins.

[@Jordashian93]

Clint Eastwood, his terrific cast and especially Sean Penn’s acting are phenomenal

[@thorstrebla980]

One of the few times Sean Penn lived up to his reputation.

[@LarryFleetwood8675]

Well, I can't stand Penn anymore so this is one I shan't be watching as much as I like Eastwood but Penn trying to play a human nice guy character is just pathetic, I like Clint the actor more than the director anyway. This is just an ugly movie visually, too. Clint's last good looking movie was Blood Work (2002).

[@lonerebeI]

​@@LarryFleetwood8675Oh brother, Sean Penn is a great actor you don't have to like him nor watch his movies. It's not that deep

[@kellifranklin9872]

I think y’all are the only channel I’ve seen that watched this movie. It’s an absolute masterpiece. All these years later and I still get goosebumps and cry when he does that iconic “is my daughter in there” scene. That scene alone is why he was so deserving of his Oscar win that year. Because there’s so many top tier performances in this Kevin Bacon’s performance gets overlooked. He was amazing here as well. So happy y’all watched this movie!

[@DannyConcepts]

its not a masterpeice in my opinion. has its issues.

[@lonerebeI]

Masterpiece for sure

[@travismorris9303]

I have daughters and after seeing the "Is that my daughter..." scene the first time I've never been able to watch that part again. His acting just hits too hard.

[@DavidAntrobus]

So great you reacted to this. I wish more people would. The novel this was based on was written by Dennis Lehane, who also wrote the original _Shutter Island_ novel. Yes, it's dark, but it's darkly brilliant. Laura Linney channeling Lady Macbeth is a total mood. Remember, sad and depressing aren't necessarily the same.

[@kellifranklin9872]

I never thought of it before but you nailed it with the Laura Linney, Lady MacBeth reference.

[@kevindown1592]

This movie was part of a streak where Clint Eastwood was at his directorial best. Unforgiven, Million Dollar Baby, Mystic River were movie where he was at the top of his game.

[@James_Ford4815]

Changeling is up there too , barely anyone even knows it exists but it's amazing ... i'm probably a little biased though being that i grew up down the street from where the main event took place and everyone in the area knows all about it but yes Clints 2003 - 2016 stretch was pretty damn amazing Mystic River , Million Dolllar Baby , Flags of Our Fathers , Letters from Iwo Jima , Changeling , Gran Torino , Invictus , Hereafter , J. Edgar , Jersey Boys , American Sniper , Sully

[@peteparker22]

All horribly depressing movies lol. I think Unforgiven is the best one though and has a somewhat happy ending for an Eastwood film

[@James_Ford4815]

@@peteparker22 lol never really thought about that but yea you do have a point

[@BishopWalters12]

He was on fire as a director in the 90s and 2000s. A Perfect World from 1993 is criminally underrated and Absolute Power was also pretty good.

[@silverjago]

one of the best movies I have ever seen in my life

[@robertjewell9727]

Another aspect of this that's done so well besides the points you two mentioned is how spot-on they get the atmosphere of its lower-class Boston neighborhood and its charactrrs tone of communication.

[@DSmith264]

Very dark and sad story, but an exceptionally acted and constructed film. Always appreciate the little extra time you guys take with your commentary. Good job.

[@coreyhendricks9490]

Cool reaction as always Schmitt & Samantha, you both take care

[@hartspot009]

Next: Million Dollar Baby. Absolute Clint masterpiece

[@richardadesmond]

I like the symbolism of the cement writing, "DA" He was never quite his whole self again, just like his name on the ground. I know you guys mentioned it at the end. You're so observant with every reaction, one of the best reactors on YT. Thank you. Justice and peace will not exist till the truth is let out in the open is what i think is the theme, you can't just assume things, Like Jimmy did, he wouldn't hear out Dave in the end, he went by what he thought Dave did, by what his wife thought, that he did kill her, but Sean and his wife got back together because they talked and listened to each other by the end, in the subplot, but with the murder mystery, that never got to happen in time. So sad.

[@stsolomon618]

This movie was nominated for best picture but lost to Return of the King. This movie pulls your heartstrings.

[@mikemenelik8193]

2 Oscars⭐, Sean Penn (Leading Role) and Tim Robbins (Supporting Role)🌿

[@rollotomassi6232]

"This movie pulls your heartstrings" Not mine, I developed no attachment to any character in this film. Not due to the acting, which was outstanding, but due to the lack of redeeming qualities of any characters, I don't enjoy movies with a story that is so depressing start to finish.

[@stsolomon618]

@rollotomassi6232 the death of the daughter was heart breaking

[@rollotomassi6232]

@@stsolomon618 Exactly what I'm talking about, we don't even get the satisfaction of the cops solving the crime because an innocent man is killed before the truth comes out.

[@swvi9459]

This movie in ten times better then Return of the King

[@DjB8709]

You two might want to check out Sleepers. Phenomenal cast and amazing story.

[@YoureMrLebowski]

11:04 "we are not doing a good job picking movies. no." but your patreons are. 👍🏼✅ sam's "no." 😆

[@willgenre]

Sean Penn gives me chills everytime he screams in THAT scene.

[@Nimzzeee]

Clint Eastwood loves dark and depressing but keeps knocking them out of the park. Unforgiven, gran torino, Mystic river. Can't wait for Samantha's first time watch of million dollar baby, his finest movie in my opinion

[@shainewhite2781]

21:18, this was one of Eli Wallach's last films until his death in 2014 at 98.

[@charlieeckert4321]

21:13 Yes, that's Eli Wallach. Amazing actor!

[@YoureMrLebowski]

very well edited reaction. 👍🏼

[@mrrandywatson925]

"Million Dollar Baby" With Hillary Swank Directed by Clint Eastwood. Is a great film💯

[@lonerebeI]

and also soooo depressing,

[@sergiodavila5269]

That scene where the cops have to restrain Sean Penn’s character is so heartbreaking 💔 💔💔💔💔💔

[@Adino1]

Mystic River One of the heaviest movies of all-time

[@YoureMrLebowski]

17:57 "can't beat Dunkin." -daniel sponsored by Dunkin Donuts. 🍩

[@jillanderson3242]

The actress who plays the daughter is Emmy Rossum

[@alyas77]

Such an amazing movie. And a stellar acting by Sean penn. so glad you reacted to this one.

[@robertcampbell8070]

Another great movie with somewhat similar themes is Sleepers. It's a pretty hard watch, but worth it.

[@Sure_Sir]

I would say that's an understatement. I hated Kevin Bacon for years cuz of 'Sleepers'. But that's how great his performance was.

[@robertcampbell8070]

@@Sure_Sir A ton of fantastic performances in that movie.

[@kiwigirljacks]

One of my top 10 films of all time and I’m constantly gutted that no one reacts to it. That and Murder In The First.

[@lonerebeI]

Omg so true!

[@dannyb9209]

Never seen anyone react to this before .. absolute classic

[@nilehoruseus]

This movie is so phenomenal

[@Whitebrowpriest]

21:06 - That's 'Don Altobello' from The Godfather Part III (1990), and 'Tuco' from The Good, The Bad, and the Ugly (1966). Actor Eli Wallach (whose name you'll always find in crossword puzzles, LOL).

[@LanaFromHawaii808]

You two should definitely watch Wind River with Elizabeth Olsen.... solid film!

[@helpmeImpoor5314]

Such a good movie

[@YoureMrLebowski]

10:43 "is that my daughter in there?" 😢

[@YoureMrLebowski]

26:36 "oh shit." -sam sam's shock/disappointment at celeste's betrayal of dave.

[@johnpittsii7524]

Hope you two are having an great and awesome weekend ❤

[@andrewreisinger6860]

Marcia Gay Harden is in great Coen Brothers film called "Miller's Crossing"

[@BeegableRock]

Yup Daniel, a mini The Good, the Bad and the Ugly reunion with Clint and "Ugly" Eli. Stunning movie and great reaction

[@CarolinaCharles777]

Great reaction guys. I wondered if you would remember Marcia Gay Harden from The Mist. This is definitely a dark film. Sounds like y'all should pick a nice palate cleanser next.

[@kylegacy]

The 'JIMMY - SEAN - DA' on the sidewalk is so hauntingly tragic. Dave, like his name in the cement, wasn't fully there. Missing. Vanished. Taken. Dennis Lehane writes some remarkable, beautiful, heart-wrenching novels. His latest - Small Mercies - may be his last (it's phenomenal) as he's more focused on screenwriting. He wrote for The Wire, Boardwalk Empire, The Outsider, The Drop. and much more. His work has been adapted a lot too, as others have said, I highly recommend watching them and reading his source material. Lots of twists in his work, moving dialogue and scenes, and with a rich tapestry of characters. Enjoy it all. x

[@YoureMrLebowski]

35:15 "everything in this movie was dark." -daniel very dark.

[@daron85]

How in the hell is City of God in last place? Anyways I'm looking forward to this reaction. One of my favorites of the Boston films.

[@evo1h]

The Town is up there for Boston films for me.

[@daron85]

@@evo1h That one's good too.

[@evo1h]

I don't live in the U.S so where movies take place is something I definitely look out for. Such as Law Abiding Citizen and Rocky - Philadelphia and the Equalizer- Boston. Yet I don't consider the Equalizer a "Boston" film like the Departed , Boondock Saints or Good Will Hunting... it's definitely interesting.

[@aBoyHasNoName87]

To be fair, pretty much every movie on that list right now is a great recommendation (The Outsiders and Trainspotting being the only ones I've never seen), so sooner or later they should really get to watch them all :)

[@daron85]

@@aBoyHasNoName87 they're all good, but I just feel City of God is better than some.

[@angelagraves865]

There are a few Dennis Lehane books made into movies and this one's the best, imo. Shutter Island, The Drop, and Gone Baby Gone are all really good, too. I've never seen Live By Night but it's on my list to see.

[@Sure_Sir]

'Gone Baby Gone' is such a good film. If I'm not mistaken, 'Live By Night' was being made when Affleck was heavily drinking, so I heard, it isn't his best work.

[@blueeyedcowboy8291]

I was so excited when I saw they made this into a movie and Eastwood was directing it.

[@auckalukaum]

I went on a Dennis Lehane kick for a while and read most of his books, but somehow never got around to Mystic River.

[@angelagraves865]

@@auckalukaum Same. I really like the two detectives, Patrick and Angela.

[@peteparker22]

Gone Baby Gone is amazing. Still one of Ben Afflecks best movies

[@thefallofoscar]

This movie is a hard watch. Definitely one of Clint Eastwoods top directed films.

[@mynameisnotearl4383]

Clint Eastwood makes movies that does something to you. Mystic river, million dollar baby, Grand Torino etc

[@shainewhite2781]

10:40, one of the most heart wrenching scenes in film history.

[@dudermcdudeface3674]

I'd recommend another Sean Penn movie: "State of Grace." With Gary Oldman, Robin Wright, and Ed Harris. Pretty gloomy, but nowhere near as dark as this.

[@Hauns91]

The ending of this movie.... I swear man, early 2000's had so many iconic endings imo.

[@YoureMrLebowski]

28:44 Detective Sam Schmitt is on the case. 21:48 called it ✅

[@xander66644]

Sean Penn won Best Actor in the Academy Awards. Tim Robbins won Best Supporting Actor in the Academy Awards. Each actor won the Oscar the first time. Sean Penn won a 2nd Academy Awards for Milk (2008).

[@Bringmethehorizondude]

Sams face 31:29 says it all. This movie is a classic that somehow gets forgotten and not enough people have reacted to it. Y’all are awesome as usual.

[@shambhaggoe9077]

Yes, that was The Ugly from The Good, the Bad and the Ugly. His real name was Eli Wallach. RIP, mister Wallach.

[@shainewhite2781]

21:04, Eli Wallach from The Good The Bad And The Ugly.

[@Henry-fn1zw]

Justice for Tim Robbins.

[@rachaelhogan7850]

Lol lol lol 😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂

[@cyberpunkspacejams]

After you guys watch some more lighthearted movies, you guys should definitely check out CHANGELING (2008), a truly fantastic and overlooked Eastwood film based on a true story. Mystic River is my all-time favorite Clint Eastwood film. A masterclass of storytelling and top-tier acting across the board.

[@louielouie22]

10:38 The most powerful scene I ever seen.

[@alitaone4873]

Time to pick up the mood guy's with the Year 1991, 1.The Hard Way 2.The Last Boy Scout 3. Thelma & Louise .

[@jamesellis1972]

I arrived at my first duty station in Germany and was placed an a common room with over a dozen others I did not know. So I picked up the book Mystic River. I read it in 2 days and the day that I finished the book I saw an ad for the movie. The first segment of the movie cut out a lot of what happened to Dave when he was young, but it was enough in the movie to let you know it was bad. This movie is one of those rare cases where the movie is just as good or better than the book.

[@hartspot009]

Outstanding review guys..as always

[@justjack0715]

Here's something interesting. That street where the kid gets kidnapped (Condor St), is the same neighborhood where Denzel lived in The Equalizer, It's only foot steps away from his apartment... 😳They also filmed a crappy Brad Pitt movie called Blown Away in the 90's on that same block. It's East Boston Ma.

[@joerafferty3248]

This is such a great film, easily one of Sean Penn's best performances. Also, this film is based on a book of the same name by Dennis Lehane, who's work I really recommend. Some of his books that have also been made into films are Gone Baby Gone and Shutter Island.

[@Leonardoeditor37]

Both, Sean Penn and Tim Robbins, won Academy Awards for this one.

[@MZ-bl6wg]

As a dad of daughters thst are my everything , Sean penns portrayal when he’s screaming “is that my daughter in there!???” Get my tears going every time, he killed that part and the emotion one would feel in that. I can’t imagine and am too protective of a dad I’m sure because of nightmares . The world is sick and as parents it’s terrifying even letting our babies venture out in it. Amazing movie though.

[@rotru4977]

Yay!!! Love this one. Can't wait to see your reactions.

[@fenianbastard6226]

One thing to know about this & pretty much every Boston movie… if you grew up in the city, you don’t call the cops. The code of silence was big in Charlestown especially but all of Boston for decades.

[@fenianbastard6226]

Google Charlestown Code of silence. The area they based this is a fictional combo of Charlestown & south Boston & filmed here.

[@fenianbastard6226]

“The Town” is based on Charlestown.

[@TheLORDofTOXICITY]

This is one of my favorite movies based on one of my favorite books

[@Redsdelight]

Really great movie. Everybody gives a great performance.

[@DarkDemonNWK]

Speaking of....yall should check out Sleepers.

[@jdc3663]

If you guys read this, y'all should really check out The War with Kevin Costner and Crooklyn. I really enjoy watching your reactions.

[@MikeB12800]

Rough watch but incredible movie! Performances, directing, screenplay, story! Everything is top notch

[@MusicSportandGeneralStuff]

Great Movie 🍿 hope you are both well x ooh and the baby of course 👍

[@Aka_daka]

Surprised more people don't react to Mystic River it's a great film won a lot of awards.

[@zmani4379]

Great reaction - here's my thinking re the wives and the fallout - I think Harden was confused and feeling in over her head, afraid to escalate this by going to police, and Penn is like a member of her family that she feels she can go to quietly in a crisis - something childlike about her response, the way she opens up to him, as to a parent - re Linney, I think at the end her speech to Penn was damage control, her way of keeping him from falling apart, keeping him "strong" - how much of their lives is held together w denial? Re the overall shape of the film - I think it's a tragedy, in the sense that cause-effect sets machinery in motion that nobody can stop - Eastwood's classic craftsmanlike approach fits well here - in this case, I think the tragedy is built on a kind of logic of vigilante heroism that pervades ppl's thinking; it affects how they read these events and process these details, and it drives them inexorably, mechanically toward a path of revenge - justice envisioned as revenge - and so there's this framework operating inside their minds, and the movie juxtaposes this against a startlingly random reality that's a direct rebuke to this logic of revenge - other films like this are Memento, Sweet Hereafter, and also Crush, a 90s film starring Marcia Gay Harden, that also turns into a kind of Greek tragedy - I think Mystic River is Eastwood's best film -

[@seanmonahan]

Samantha, your thoughts on Marcia Gay Harden's face are spot on.

[@SuperStar5150]

Fantastic reaction. Love your honesty regarding the darkness of the film as a whole. keep it light, You'll love Lost in Translation.

[@MrEthan80]

Crossing Guard and The Pledge are great Sean Penn directed films. They have very Mystic River vibes.

[@Drax514]

Excellent choice. Not sure there's been many, if any, reactions to this. A very interesting movie. Clint Eastwood is definitely sort of a virtuoso

[@vendelayindustries]

This movie made me open my eyes for Clint Eastwood, the director. Truly suspenseful story and high class acting from everybody involved. "Changeling" with Angelina Jolie made me even more convinced of the true talent of Clint Eastwood. Highly recommended.

[@VinMar-m6w]

Eastwood also composed the haunting scores to _Mystic River,_ _Changeling,_ and _Million Dollar Baby._ The man is brilliant!

[@philmullineaux5405]

The boyfriend was the main kid in, The Sandlot!

[@mmmab1]

This is my favorite movie directed by Clint Eastwood. Also, Eastwood wrote the music for this movie, as he does with most of the movies he’s directed. Another good Marcia Gay Harden movie to react to is “Miller’s Crossing,” by the Cohen Brothers.

[@williamsummerson1204]

Daniel and Samantha are the best reaction couple on KZbin hands down. Just a phenomenal movie with stellar performances from Sean Penn and Tim Robbins. Masterful directing by Clint Eastwood.

[@tidepride86]

Darn right they are. It's not even close

[@blueeyedcowboy8291]

I'm hoping you guys will open more reactors to watching this movie. Just a masterpiece of acting by the entire cast. Sean Penn gave one of the best performances I have ever seen. Just got home from work and couldn't click on this reaction fast enough. They did a good job adapting this from the book.

[@shainewhite2781]

5:13, Crime drama films like this always have an all star cast.

[@TurntBucket]

You guys pointing out the randomness of the daughter being killed made me think. The whole thing with the friend that had been molested being there that night and having killed someone was random too. Feels like a theme of this film is that not everything fits a nice narrative and you can create a logical series of events in your mind that aren't actually what happened. You need to be careful before you assume you know how/why things actually happened. Just because a narrative seems to be the most logical or convenient doesn't make it what actually happened.

[@robriginio530]

I have twin 12 yr old daughters. I can never again watch the scene when Sean Penn is screaming “Is that my daughter in there?” No way, no how. Great review!

[@michele36618]

I love this movie so much. Such a sad story but it pulls you in bc of the acting. I cry every single time. Sean Penn is so good in this 🫶🏼

[@KipArmadillo]

Outstanding film. And you guys were all over it. Kudos.

[@fionnmaccumhaill3257]

Great Sean Penn movies that I saw as they aired.... Little House On The Prarie, Taps, Fast Times At Ridgemont High, Bad Boys, The Secret Life Of Walter Mitty..... All great

[@browniewin4121]

This is such a good movie with an excellent cast, but so distressing. You were right ... that is Eli Wallach of The Good, The Bad and The Ugly, also The Magnificent Seven.

[@weissfussindianer]

one of the strongest movies from Clint Eastwood ❤☮

[@rxtsec1]

This might be my favorite Clint Eastwood movie. It hurts but it's great. Winner of Best actor (Sean pean) & Supporting actor Tim Robbins. I'm convinced if not for Lord of rings trilogy it would have won Best picture & director. What's interesting is a year later Clint won another picture & director for Million dollar baby. His first being Unforgiven

[@markbillups2886]

Sean Penn is an amazing actor. If you haven’t already you should definitely check out I Am Sam with Michelle Pfeiffer and a VERY young Dakota Fanning.

[@lonerebeI]

This movie is incredible. Will never get old, classic

[@imdiyu]

21:08 yes, it is.