Lions for Lambs
It is hard for me to believe that Lions for Lambs is getting such bad reviews. It is a thoughtful, intelligent film that deserves more praise than it is getting. Sure it has flaws but so do many films that are good.
Robert Redford directed the film from a script by Matthew Michael Carnahan. The film is divided into three stories that take place at about the same time. In one part of the film Redford plays Professor Stephen Malley. Malley is having a conversation with one of his students Todd Hayes (Andrew Garfield). Malley is trying to bring the boy out of his apathy. He feels that Todd has great potential that isn't being used. This certainly rings true. I find so much of the younger generation not only apathetic but also not that smart.
In the second part of the film television report Janine Roth (Meryl Streep) is having a conversation with conservative Senator Jasper Irving (Tom Cruise). Irving wants to give Roth an "exclusive" on how he is going to win the war on terror by escalating the war in Afghanistan.
And, yes, this is an exclusive but will Roth present it as Irving lays it out even if she doesn't agree with it.
The last part of the film takes place in Afghanistan. It focuses on two solders - Arian Finch (Derek Luke) and Ernest Rodriguez (Michael Pena). Both soldiers were former students of Finch. They decided to take his cue to get involved but, unfortunately, they chose to do it in a way that went against what he believes in.
The film is talky but I had no problem with that. I was interested in what was being said. Redford is targeting the press, the younger generation and politicians in one swoop. The acting is good and Streep and Cruise in particular shine. There is once scene in particular - one involving the soldiers - that I just didn't by. But all in all, I found this to be a fine film.
I guess many people will stay away because of the critics but if anyone out there reads this then take my advice and see the film. If you can't make it to the theater then see it on DVD. It will give you some fresh insights to things that you already know to be true.
Robert Redford directed the film from a script by Matthew Michael Carnahan. The film is divided into three stories that take place at about the same time. In one part of the film Redford plays Professor Stephen Malley. Malley is having a conversation with one of his students Todd Hayes (Andrew Garfield). Malley is trying to bring the boy out of his apathy. He feels that Todd has great potential that isn't being used. This certainly rings true. I find so much of the younger generation not only apathetic but also not that smart.
In the second part of the film television report Janine Roth (Meryl Streep) is having a conversation with conservative Senator Jasper Irving (Tom Cruise). Irving wants to give Roth an "exclusive" on how he is going to win the war on terror by escalating the war in Afghanistan.
And, yes, this is an exclusive but will Roth present it as Irving lays it out even if she doesn't agree with it.
The last part of the film takes place in Afghanistan. It focuses on two solders - Arian Finch (Derek Luke) and Ernest Rodriguez (Michael Pena). Both soldiers were former students of Finch. They decided to take his cue to get involved but, unfortunately, they chose to do it in a way that went against what he believes in.
The film is talky but I had no problem with that. I was interested in what was being said. Redford is targeting the press, the younger generation and politicians in one swoop. The acting is good and Streep and Cruise in particular shine. There is once scene in particular - one involving the soldiers - that I just didn't by. But all in all, I found this to be a fine film.
I guess many people will stay away because of the critics but if anyone out there reads this then take my advice and see the film. If you can't make it to the theater then see it on DVD. It will give you some fresh insights to things that you already know to be true.
posted by Film Fanatic | 11:09 AM
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