Penn and Watts excellent in taut 'Nixon' flick

The Assassination of Richard Nixon

Director: Niels Mueller

Cast: Sean Penn, Naomi Watts, Don Cheadle, Jack Thompson

Cert: 15

Penn is making some outstanding films these days, and this based-on-fact drama certainly comes into that category.

Set in the l970s, the story concerns the all-round loser Sam Bickle who with a going-nowhere job, an estranged wife and family and a burning resentment that his personal American Dream has become a nightmare decides to hijack a 'plane and crash it into the Nixon White House.

It's a controversial film given the 9/11 events, but Penn has never been afraid to tackle controversial topics.

Here he turns in a compelling performance which both repels and attracts us to his deranged character, and is well-supported by the currently equally-busy Watts, building a solid Hollywood reputation as an actress of wide scope.