Riddley Scott’s new film with Leonardo DiCaprio and Russell Crow is an okay film. Seriously, nothing has blown me away since Dark Knight. I know I say that in every review now but c’mon! It’s not my fault. Everyone in this is a good actor. Not sure why Russell Crow put on all the weight for the part. Maybe he was supposed to be a symbol of the current American government, bloated and out of touch, with cowboy logic. Although the speech Crow gives at the start of the film is very accurate and scary. And seeing the inter-workings of the Jordanian secret police was interesting, especially because of the actor with steely eyes and straight talk. I like these guys. But nothing really happens. I mean I was never on the edge of my seat. I wanted to be. There were times when I got close. But they never pushed me over the top. Just a decent movie with good people involved. I feel like if you are going to take on this subject matter it needs to have more of a point. Tell me more of how the war on terror is going, and who is fighting it in the trenches. Rather than the story of a CIA agent who wants out. Not enough there for me. Maybe because I have been to that part of the world and want more. I’m not saying telling dick jokes in war zones makes me an expert – but on the other hand, love stories starring battle-worn secret agents don’t get me hot in the bother. I guess films like this and “The Kingdom” are good for giving us perspective on a culture that is difficult for many Americans to understand. For that, this film is worth seeing. That and the good acting. Not the strongest recommendation I can give, but I am trying to be positive and wait it out for “Watchmen.” Graham Elwood, saying PALM STRIKE!
Graham Elwood
