I was extremely disappointed by this film. I had read many people who said that Ron Howard had done his best work here, but what I saw was the same old stuff - paint by numbers script (not his fault but he could have done a better job disguising it), extensive attempts at tear-wringing, even VIOLINS in the dramatic scenes - overt sentimentality. The direction was totally manipulative. Only the acting, (which was still a bit of the showy "give me an Oscar" variety by Crow) kept me with this film. The Sixth Sense plot line was predictable, and the staging was awkward. I think it is a shame that so many movie people are jumping on the bandwagon of a mediocre film while ignoring the true classic of a week year. LORD OF THE RINGS is by far and away the best film of 2001, and Moulin Rouge deserves credit too. To see a really great Russell Crow performance, watch THE INSIDER.