MGM and United Artists present an R rated, 92 minute film directed by Robert Redford and starring Tom Cruise (Senator Jasper Irving), Meryl Streep (Janine Roth), Robert Redford (Professor "Doc" Stephen Malley) with Michael Pena (Ernest Rodriguez), Andrew Garfield (Todd Hayes), Peter Berg (Lt. Col. Falco) and Derek Luke (Arian Finch).
The film follows 3 separate stories that all tie into each other on both the Republican and Democratic platforms. Albeit not acting preachy but rather letting you assess your own values and opinions in a thought provoking arena. A true Redford film that is high on verbal debate with a mixture of action and drama intermingled with brilliant writing and acting that is worthy of the scholars concerned with current events and the path to our future here in America and beyond.
When Janine Roth is asked to meet with Senator Jasper Irving for a discussion about the Iraqi war, not only values are placed on the table but the reason behind the madness to our political and social gains. At 57 years old, she has taken the Democratic stance with her news worthy stories which has helped raise her status in the editorial world to a higher level amongst her colleagues. Senator Irving who has developed a plan to combat the terrorist crossing from Iraq through Iran into Afghanistan in order to kill more Americans stands to gain more political power by Janine publishing his story. Maybe, if all goes right, allowing him to succeed to a higher level in Washington, although admitting he will "not" run for President. Of course, if his plan becomes a success we all know we've heard that speech before!
Does a society look at the past to live in the present in order to save the future? "Whatever it takes", as the saying goes! As Theodore Roosevelt said, "If I must choose between righteousness and peace, I choose righteousness" Welcome to Washington and the political world of right from wrong, one versus the other and a world full of opinions that run rampant and equal to well you know what, we all have one!
There is a new axis of evil in the world and the terrorist are truly getting stronger. The Senator deploys a helicopter filled with American soldiers into terrorist territory which in an unexpected dramatic and hostile attack gets shot down. Before landing outside enemy territory, 2 life long college friends get stranded behind the enemy lines ensuring their demise atop a snow laden ridge. This sub-story focuses on these two young men that decided to make a difference one day by encompassing Professor Malley's words in debate class as a way of contributing towards the honor of the American people. In college they believed that it was important to stand up for what you believe in, in order to change the world. Instead of a junior year in school maybe ROTC or the Peace Corps would serve our country better by today's youth. Finch and Rodriquez proved their point that day and later on that ridge to their fellow students, professor and themselves.
In the third and pivotal conversation between Doc and his student Todd the meaning of the words "political science" are questioned along with the reasons for belief in the modern age versus the lack of educational achievements towards changing the world before it is too late. A person in debate can always be great with words but what about their heart! If you don't live your convictions do they honestly really mean anything? Rome is burning and you must "try" to at least do something. Todd not showing up for class is defeat amongst itself rather than being there and making a stance for his own views. But truly in the end, when will it be enough, is the question that pulls these stories into a focus of one moment in time that affects us all. None of us should take life laying down but rather stand up for our beliefs because in the final semester it all comes down to pass or fail!
Redford, Cruise and Streep were astounding as usual, projecting their lines with power and strength, making the audience question all there is known and unknown about the political system and the way in which it is used in modern society. The film was a perfect length at 90 minutes, any longer it may have lost the standard audience out for violence and strong cinematic scenes rather than great compelling conversation. It may not stand up to the younger audience but with such a strong cast and story line that delves into the issues of today it is truly worthy of the time in the theatre. Remember whether you believe in the reasons behind the political system or not nothing will change unless you decide to make it change yourself.
Reporting for Talkin' Pets, I'm Jon Patch.