jotix100 This predictable film will not add anything to Edward Burns' resume. In fact, "No Looking Back", his third directorial effort, has a flat feeling to it, in spite of the people involved with the project. No one decides to go into a losing project, but it appears Mr. Burns was not sufficiently inspired with this tale of a working class situation.From the beginning, with the arrival of Charlie back home to the small town by the sea, and his encounter with Claudia, the young woman who had stayed behind, we realize where this tale is going. Claudia, who is now involved with Michael, still hasn't been able to forget the man who must have been the love of her life.The surprise in the film is Jon Bon Jovi in a dramatic role. He plays the kind Michael, who as much as he tries, can't compete against Charlie for the love of Claudia. Mr. Burns, directing himself, should have given the job to another actor because he doesn't appear to be objective in how to play his character. Lauren Holly tries, but her Claudia is, at times, irritating. Blythe Danner also appears as Claudia's mother.The best thing going for "No Looking Back" is the great soundtrack heard throughout the movie.

hottamales I thought this was a very interesting movie. It really made me stop to think about choices that I have made and ones that I will make. It's an honest look at what many females face in life today. The choice between the safe man that really loves us or the loser that we have passion for or the scary choice of trying to make it on our own in the unknown. Any man that truly understands this movie is a true "hottie"! Ed Burns wrote it and I think he's a total "hottie"! He was even cuter than Jon Bon Jovi! I'll watch more of his movies now.

confirm-2 (I must first preface this review by admitting that I am from a northeastern town similar).After reading some of the reviews here and seeing the movie recently on IFC, I feel that this movie is a little misunderstood.First of all, this movie was not made for everyone. By that I mean that Edward Burns is speaking to a specific segment here. This is a story of everyday life in a working class small Northeastern town. He recreates the ENTIRE environment: groups of people that graduated highschool together and never left, the gossip, the one and only social hangout, all the intrigue and interconnected people, the way they talk and interact with each other, and even the music they like to listen to (there are a couple Bruce Springsteen songs mixed into the soundtrack).After creating this dead on environment, he tells the story. This is where a lot of people here have had problems. Burns shows the monotony of everyday life in this town. I mean, he ACTUALLY shows it on camera: people going to their jobs, talking about mundane stuff, etc. Things that other directors would have merely mentioned through dialogue or other means.This is done for a reason: Burns is trying to put you in this town. As if you are one of those who has been trapped here. He makes an attempt to show you these things so that you'll understand the character's desires to leave.And if you've spent any time in one of these towns, you will understand EXACTLY what he is trying to say. Sorry to say, it's a sort realistic movie. The characters are imperfect, they do dumb things. The awkwardly and badly tell lies to each other. They like normal people.Other than that, I could have done without Bon Jovi. He showed no range of emotions (if my girlfriend stayed out with another guy until 5 a.m., I would think my voice would show a little more inflection at least).Anyway, if you are from this area and want to "go home again", rent this movie. If you aren't and want to see what it's like, see this movie. If you liked any major blockbuster this year, pass.

Jacks-12 I liked this movie, I really did. It is one of the only roles I have ever like Lauren Holly in. She looks fresh and young in a movie where everything else looks barren and destitute. Take for instance the smoking mother. She looks like death warmed over. Okay, and why must they make Edward Burns go this entire movie without washing his hair? I know that he is supposed to act like a slime ball, but must he LOOK like one? Nevertheless, I still found myself liking him. You just can't help but love that New York attitude and indifference that he exudes so gorgeously. And Jon Bon Jovi! I am glad that Hollywood is giving him a fair shake at acting instead of criticizing his cross over like every other musician/actor. Without a doubt, Jon has a gift for acting. I have seen him in other movies that have further supported my opinion on this. My recommendation, own this movie, just don't watch it with someone you don't really love or it may make you realize just how much you want to get in the car and drive, too. Vaya con dios.