D.C. MOVIE GUYS

At a time when there seems to be little interest among film goers for serious, thoughtful entertainment comes “Lions For Lambs.”  Actor and director Robert Redford has combined a talented cast with a provocative and intelligent script to create film of substance that deserves attention and discussion.

The film weaves together three major storylines into  a compelling whole.  On the same day a rising young Republican senator (Tom Cruise) meets with a veteran reporter (Meryl Streep) to discuss a new strategy in the war against the Tallibahn in Afghanistan, a college professor (Redford) meets with a talented but unmotivated student about his sudden lack of interest in class.  Meanwhile, tw of the professor’s former students (Derek Luke and Michael Pens). who left college to volunteer for military service, find themselves on the forefront of the new strategy the senator is unveiling.

Screenwriter Matthew Michael Carnahan (”The Kingdom”) and Redford aren’t in the finger pointing
business as their film swiftly unfolds.  They offer room for doubt and a variety of viewpoint’s on the war on terror and the nation’s recent political situation.  What they seem interested in stimulating is a serious discussion of what direction we as a nation need to take in both our foreign and domestic polices.

They use the “small,” personal stories of the six main characters to open a wider perspective on these important issues.  The script, direction and performances ask vital questions.  How dis we get here ?  Where do we go now ?  At its core, the movie strongly suggests that now is the time for all Americans, no matter where they fall on the political spectrum, to ask hard questions, dig for answers and speak up.  It argues that we, as a nation, no longer have the luxury of apathy or cynicism when it comes to our role as citizens.

While the script could have brought home its message even more powerfully by giving more time to Streep, Luke and Pena, their acting, along with Cruise’s best performance in years, help to make those flaws less damaging.  Redford’s direction is sure handed and nimble as he moves from story to story while building tension and viewer interest.

Far too often in recent years, movie patrons have complained that Hollywood studios and filmmakers don’t care about making serious films about serious topics.  “Lions For Lambs” is just that kind of film and it is quite well done.  If it fails to find an audience, they have only themselves to blame.

MPAA RATING: R for profanity and battlefield violence.

JOE’S RATING:FOUR STARS.

Related Reading:

Short Guide to Writing About Film, A (7th Edition)

The Film Club: A Memoir

60 Great Horror Movie Posters (Illustrated History of Movies Through Posters, Volume 19)

Cinematic Storytelling: The 100 Most Powerful Film Conventions Every Filmmaker Must Know

Short History of the Movies, A (10th Edition)