Robert Pattinson stars in a scene from the movie "Good Time." The Catholic News Service classification is L -- limited adult audience, films whose problematic content many adults would find troubling. (CNS/A24)

By Catholic News Service

When their attempt to rob a bank goes awry, a petty criminal (Robert Pattinson) evades capture, but his mentally challenged brother (Benny Safdie) ends up in custody. Desperate to free his vulnerable sibling, the hood embarks on a nocturnal odyssey through the underworld of New York City during which he tries to get his emotionally unstable girlfriend (Jennifer Jason Leigh) to loan him bail money, then takes refuge in the home of a Haitian immigrant (Gladys Mathon) and her teenage granddaughter (Taliah Webster) before joining forces with a recent parolee (Buddy Duress) in a scheme to make a quick windfall by selling a cache of liquid LSD.

Co-directed by Safdie and his brother Josh (who co-wrote the script with Ronald Bronstein), this intense crime drama presents a subtly shaded portrait of its protagonist, aided by an outstanding performance from Pattinson. But the film conducts viewers on a journey through a bleak urban landscape entertainment oriented moviegoers may not care to visit.

Much non-lethal violence, including bloody beatings, brief graphic casual sex and an underage bedroom encounter, drug use, several instances of profanity, pervasive rough and crude language. The Catholic News Service classification is L — limited adult audience, films whose problematic content many adults would find troubling. The Motion Picture Association of America rating is R — restricted. Under 17 requires accompanying parent or adult guardian.

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