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Too much 'Noise'

By Mina Hochberg

4:43 PM EDT, May 8, 2008

"Noise" is the kind of movie that isn't necessarily good, but hits so close to home that it's impossible not to develop a soft spot for it.

Tim Robbins plays David Owen, a Manhattan-dweller who gets so fed up with noise-polluting car alarms that he goes out and starts wreaking havoc on the cars mid-blare. Calling himself "The Rectifier," he sometimes breaks windows or punctures tires, and other times leaves notes. After a few arrests, he starts a petition to ban car alarms. His refusal to simply close the window or get a white noise generator drives his wife (Bridget Moynahan) away, but he won't back down until his crusade against street noise yields some consequence. In the meantime, he lets loose, reveling in his newfound raison d'etre by sleeping with a woman who shares his cause.

"Noise" is a slight, uncomplicated movie that barely delves into the psychological or social implications of this vigilante's hangup. But it sure is a fun, indulgent fantasy about an everyday superhero that many New Yorkers would probably prefer over Superman any day.

Noise Written and directed by Henry Bean. Starring Tim Robbins, Bridget Moynahan, William Hurt, Margarita Levieva