[A] multi-stranded slice of phoney-baloney, manipulative claptrap.

In its lesser moments, the film seems as banal and manipulative as any afternoon TV soap. Another way of looking at the film is as Haggis's own very idiosyncratic and intimate essay.

What is it with Paul Haggis? Has he forgotten how to tell a simple story?

...the picture moves far too slowly to wholeheartedly capture the viewer's attention and interest.