there something frustrate about watch a movie like murder by numers because somewhere inside that hollywood formula be a good movie try to pop out . however and by the time the credit roll and there no save it . the whole thing be pretty much blow by the cop side of the story and where sandra bullock and ben chaplin homicide detective character muddle through an awkward sexual affair that become more and more trivialize the longer the movie go on . although bullock be strong in her role and it not enough to save the lackluster script and lazy pacing . ben chaplin talent be waste in a forgettable role ( he do much good earlier in the year in the underrated birthday girl ) as well a chris penn and who have a role so thanklessly small you feel sorry for a talent like him . anyway and the plot really isn not even a factor in this movie at all . the two teen killer play by ryan gosling and michael pitt be the only real reason to see this movie . their talent and chemistry work pretty good and they play off of each other quite well . it too bad they weren not in a much good all around film . barbet schroeder be tread way too safe ground here for such a seasoned filmmaker . bottom line represent it worth a rent if youre a genre fan and but everyone else will live a fulfilled life without ever see it and except maybe on network tv with convenient commercial break .