Good acting from two real stars, but nothing spectacular. When Walter comes to Rusty to use his musical talents for voice lessons to overcome his impediment, the pair while at first argumentative and uncomfortable with the other begin to become friends. Rusty has a desire to undergo a transsexual operation, but lacks the money to do so. Rusty (Philip Seymour Hoffman) is one of Walter's drag queen neighbours and the two are at-odds constantly due to their differing lifestyles. so much that Walter becomes ashamed to be seen in public. Awakening with the right side of his body paralysed is something he is not used to, and his poor speech and posture gives a massive blow to his ego. I found the story of Walter Koontz (Robert De Niro) - highly decorated 'local hero' police officer - amazing! Well developed and done with warmness - warmness missing from most of the movies today! The real story starts when one night, Walter hears gunshots upstairs, and while ascending to help he suffers a stroke. I cannot believe that this film is so underrated.
