Conviction is an eye opening true story. Kenny Waters (Sam Rockwell) is the local troublemaker, known for starting fights and as the youngster who use to cause havoc for the small town. Kenny is a grown man now but trouble has found him as an adult. This time the trouble turns out to have erectable damage. Kenny is arrested for murder and convicted after testimony leads to him as the main suspect. With no DNA testing back in the early 1980’s Kenny is sentenced to life in prison for a murder he insists he never committed.

The only person standing by his side fighting for him is his loyal sister Betty Anne (Hilary Swank). A small town girl who is the wife and mother of two that dedicates her life to proving her brother’s innocence. She begins this process by getting her GED followed by college and then finally law school. She is determined to be the attorney advocating for his release. But eighteen years pass by and when it comes time to fight for Kenny she runs into a few hurdles.

Betty Anne must prove Kenny’s innocence with DNA evidence and she must do so using the evidence from his trial of almost twenty years ago. Only problem is the courthouse is telling her that it was destroyed. With the help of her good friend Abra Rice and their constant persistence they discover the evidence still exist and Kenny’s road to freedom is only days away.

Conviction is an inspirational true story that is hard to believe. As much as I admire Betty Anne giving up her life to help prove her brother’s innocence she also gave up much more. Including her marriage and her children’s childhood. That did offer a sour note to the film but aside from that the chemistry was remarkable between Rockwell and Swank. Both had amazing performances. Overall it is a great true story to witness…but not Oscar worthy.

We have a 50 admit-two passes for the screening Tuesday, October 26 at 7:30 PM at the AMC Studio 30. Winners will be chosen on Sunday, October 24. The winners will receive an email with instructions on how to print out their pass. Make sure to bring the pass with you to the screening. Be sure to get there early. These screenings are overbooked to fill every seat. Only ONE entry per email address. Only eligible for Kansas/Missouri metro area residents. NO PURCHASE NECESSARY.

SYNOPSIS:

Betty Anne Waters (Swank) is a high school dropout who spent nearly two decades working as a single mother while putting herself through law school, tirelessly trying to beat the system and overturn her brother’s (Rockwell) unjust murder conviction.

The connection does not come easy as Adam has been diagnosed with Asperger’s syndrome and sometimes does not have a filter and can’t quite understand the dimensions of a true relationship. Beth heeds all warnings and continues her friendship with Adam that leads to a romantic relationship. As with any romance there are many trials and tribulations. Given they are not the same in every relationship; they definitely will test the love the two share.

Adam is a heartfelt intriguing tale, an insightful one too. Writer Max Mayer deals with the touchy subject beautifully, and Hugh Dancy proves to be a noteworthy star with his performance. Rose Byrne as the torn lover paralleled with mixed emotions was enjoyable to watch. The chemistry between Byrne and Dancy as these two lost souls looking to each other was undeniable. Towards the end the film seemed to drag a bit, and at first I was disappointed by the ending. Giving it much thought following I changed that opinion. I don’t look at this film as a love story, but rather as an inspirational tale about Adam, a story about his disease and his ability to grow as a person. Proving that all of us deserve love and that if we are strong enough we can all pick up and search for it. This New York love story proves love does not stand for one specific thing, loving is much more meaningful. You’ll see what I mean.