Rating of
2/4
lastonetoleave - wrote on 12/30/12
Promised Land (2012) Steve Butler (Matt Damon) and Sue Thomason (Frances McDormand) go to a small Pennsylvania farming community to buy natural gas rights. The locals are receptive to the possibilities of a financial payout until a grassroots environmentalist (John Krasinski) arrives in town and begins to inform the townspeople about the big gas company and their controversial use of fracking, a procedure that may endanger their way of life. Gus Van Sant, the film's Director, does an admirable job of making us care not only for the farmers and their families but also for these two salespeople who see what they do as not evil, but an opportunity for the town to survive in such a tough economy. Matt Damon is perfect in the role of Steve, a sort of likable every-man, who saw his own small farming town die when a tractor factory left the community. Krasinski (who co-wrote the script with Damon) is enjoyable as the rival to Damon and whose character not only tries to stop Damon from drilling for gas, but also vies for the affection of a local school teacher (Rosemarie DeWitt). I didn't like the ending of the film, it took the easy way out, and came way too quickly for my tastes. My Rating: Bargain Matinee
