Full Movie Reviews
Rating of
3/4
Smart with Words
Franz Patrick - wrote on 07/13/2008
I thought this was an articulate film even though I didn't learn much from it. I guess it also helped that it shared my point of view about the war since I didn't really want to think because I saw it around one o'clock in the morning. There are three intertwining stories but I think only two worked: the first is Tom Cruise and Meryl Streep's chess-like interview and the second is Robert Redford and Andrew Garfield's conversation about unused potential. The bit about the war was too loud and preachy, whereas the other two are quiet but smart with words. Unsurprisingly, for me, Meryl Streep stole the show because she's elegant even though she's not trying. Every little sneer or scoff says a lot and it was deeply fascinating. Andrew Garfield was engaging as well because I could relate to …
Rating of
2.5/4
Redford’s Wordy but Goodhearted War-time Sermon "L
efrain - wrote on 11/14/2007
A wordy and passionate lecture on the uncertain nature of our current involvement with the Middle East, “Lions for Lambs” focuses on some who have the potential to make a difference: young passionate minds, the media, and the government.
A political science professor (Robert Redford) at a California University challenges one of his smart-but-slacker student’s disinterest regarding academics, politics, and the war in Iraq. This typical California college student has smart and bold opinions, but he prefers to scream in silent protest while pursuing his career in the rat-race of America.
This jaded complacency is contrasted with the hopeful and active idealism of two of the professor’s former students, Arian (Derek Luke, “Glory Road”) and Ernest (Michael Peña, …
Rating of
3/4
Like a Lamb Led to the Slaughter
Allison - wrote on 11/03/2007
This was much better than I expected. After "The Kingdom" (aka "The Trainwreck"), I had little to no hope for this movie (they both had the same screenwriter). But LfL was intelligent, moving, coherent, and open-ended which made for great viewing.
My chief complaint about "The Kingdom" was that everyone escaped unscathed. Here, it seems there is a little more reality. Meryl Streep was much better in this movie than in "Rendition". She was able to balance being humorous and serious, dare I say perfectly.
Robert Redford was outstanding as a director and actor. The two supporting actors (Michael Peña and Derek Luke) who played soldiers were excellent.
The movie slowly won me over. After all, I was a tough sell and was incredibly apprehensive. But this is not only an …
