In a time when the industry feels comfortable to casually infuse political messages in films where politics has no place, it is refreshing that this movie about the capture of real life FBI Agent turned traitor Robert Hanssen doesn't come with an agenda. Chris Cooper is outstanding as Hanssen. Hanssen was a devout Catholic and family man while also a despicable turncoat. Cooper does a fantastic job balancing this double life and bringing the conflicted man to screen.

Opposite Cooper, Ryan Phillippe portrays a young clerk who is instrumental in bringing the Russian spy down. Phillippe gives a performance that will be familiar to anyone who has seen him act before. Phillippe may be a one trick pony, his sole trick being looking young and out of his depth, does work here however.

The film as a whole isn't one that will set the cinematic world on fire but it is a solid piece of drama. Given that the audience knows the resolution of the piece, the script by Adam Mazer, William Rotko and Billy Ray manages some good moments of suspense. I'd recommend picking this one up when what you want to watch isn't available. It's a good standby.

Labels: Chris Cooper, FBI, film, Laura Linney, movie review, Ryan Phillippe, spy

There are plenty of guns, shooting, blood and cursing - so its a little like hanging out Tom Sizemore on a Friday night.

This film is a well stylized bullet fest with some very clever dialog thrown in for good measure. If hyperbolic, posturing characters and ridiculous gunplay are your thing, you’re in for a ride, but I wouldn't recommend this personally. While inventive, it unashamedly dips into coarse violence for the sake of simply being violent. The smart dialog and sharp filmmaking give the impression there's something more going on than blood and guts, but there isn't. This is all flash and no substance.

Overall, this is a smart person’s version of a dumb shoot ’em up - but if you're smart enough for this movie, you're probably too smart to want to sit through it.



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Labels: Ben Affleck, Common, FBI, film, mob, movie review, Ryan Reynolds, shoot em up

Labels: Chris Cooper, FBI, Laura Linney, movie trailer, Ryan Phillippe, spy

Labels: Ben Affleck, Common, FBI, film, mob, movie trailer, Ryan Reynolds, shoot em up