"The 25th Hour" is one of the best films of the year, one that deserves to be seen by all serious film goers as well as reviewed by someone who doesn't bring the oft-repeated, but oh-so-very-tired prejudices against its brilliant director, Spike Lee. There is not a weak scene or false moment in the entire film. This is quite simply one of Lee's very best films. His direction has filled this work with stunning and truthful performances, infused its storytelling with vigor and introspection, and given the audience (once again) something wholly unforgettable. There is no way for any mature viewer to deny the power of this marvelous piece of assured work. Lee does here what he does better than any American director; he holds a mirror up to the face of our society, to each one of us, and forces us to reconsider what we believe about each other and ourselves. DO NOT MISS THIS FILM! It ranks with "Do the Right Thing" and "Malcolm X" as a masterpiece from a master director. Along with Edward Norton in the lead role, every supporting cast member delivers an Oscar-worthy performance, namely, Barry Pepper, Philip Seymour Hoffman, Rosario Dawson, Anna Paquin and Brian Cox. This is the mark of a great director. Watching "The 25th Hour," you will be challenged, engrossed, saddened, enriched, appalled, troubled, and inspired. How seldom this occurs with the standard Hollywood movie and how often we need reminding that we don't have it all figured out yet. Discard any bias you may have against Spike Lee and lay open your heart and mind to this gut-wrenching, soul-stirri