AwokeEnrightened Stephen Baldwin stars in another serial killer film that arrives on the scene about ten years too late. Detective Caleb (Stephen Baldwin) and wife Mary (Shawn Huff) are still grieving after the accidental shooting death of their six year old son. Mary drowns her sorrow in pills, while emotionless Caleb drowns himself in work. A serial killer is on the loose in Salt Lake City, and Caleb and partner Glenn (Rob Knepper) are under pressure from their stereotypical blowhard commander (Allen Garfield) to solve the case.Caleb takes the case personally, since the main suspect was an abused child now visiting all his old childhood homes and murdering everyone living there. Dr. Lyons (Tyne Daly) tries to help Caleb before the case, and his nightmares about his son, send him over the edge.The cast here is very good, from Daly's tough and tender psychiatrist to Huff's sad portrayal of a mourning mother. Knepper is always a villain in everything else I have seen him in, having him be a good guy is a welcome change. I was initially put off by Baldwin's stiff portrayal. I realize his character is keeping his emotions bottled up, but I started to find his monotone monotonous. Once in a while, I thought he would turn that emotional corner, but then he would drop back into rigid and unfeeling again.John Flynn's direction is very good for a small film, helped immensely by Ric Waite's beautiful photography. Like most serial killer films, you might have this one figured out if you are paying close enough attention. I did like the investigative process this time around, although the "flawed cop working on his toughest case" story has been done. "Absence of the Good" was too easy a target (with that title) if it was bad. It is merely okay, no more, no less, and no surprises. (* * *) out of five stars.

rahad_jackson i was laying on my couch stoned at 2 in the morning and this movie came on. needless to say it is the most astounding, incredible terrible movie i have ever seen. the plot is off the charts, camera work mesmerizing, and the work of Stephen Baldwin....words don't describe it. the movie centers around a cop who is trying to solve a series of killing in salt lake city. the killer always cleans up after him/herself and always places the victims in some sort of family setting. if you are into clichés, this movie provides one at ever turn, or every time Baldwin appears on screen. although i missed the first 15 minutes and didn't seen the ending, i will for sure watch the rest when it is on. if you are in need of a laugh, or if you're an aspiring film maker who needs reassurance, this one is for you.although i gave this a 1, it is in a very good way.

gridoon This is a fairly dull, yet still moderately engaging police procedural. Stephen Baldwin plays the detective who tries to stop a serial killer by finding the clue to his motives in his sordid childhood. The detective has also lost his son recently, a side-plot which adds nothing to the main plot whatsoever, except perhaps that it gives Baldwin the opportunity to be brooding and soulful throughout the film, making the already grim atmosphere (although there is almost no on-screen violence) even more gloomy. The biggest shock of the film comes at the very end, in the credits, when it is revealed that the female psychologist-police consultant is played by Tyne Daly! I wouldn't have recognized her in a million years! (**)

amazme3 I liked this movie overall, with its strengths being the cohesive plot, a mystery that continued to the denouement, decent performances by the actors, and real-life subplots in the background. However, no acting awards are expected for anyone here, and the musical score was nothing special. Also, I appreciated how the storyline made one think and stay focussed to keep track of how the criminal investigation proceeded. I actually felt like I was following around these detectives on the case and able to understand their thought processes as more clues were obtained. 7 out of 10.