Great acting in a story that needed to be told

Rating: 8/10 (13 November 2013)

Marvelous acting and an interesting story help compensate for an over long film that fades at the end. But lay aside the ending and bring a cup of coffee to help you through some of the slow moments, because you will be treated to some of the best acting of this year or any year. I've never been a fan of Matthew McConaughey but here he gives us his A game and his A game is equal to anyone's. It's not merely that he underwent dramatic physical changes, it's his emotional tone which is so on target. This is his career best and quite remarkable.
But he's not the only game in town. Jared Leto clearly comes into his own with this film, well beyond his previous work. And Jennifer Garner's brief role provides one of her best performances since she left "Alias".
The film is not only worthwhile for the bravura acting, it's also a very interesting look at the politics behind big Pharma, and the collusion between physicians, drug companies, and the government. This was a sad chapter in American health care, and though it is a subplot in the larger film, it is overdue for some scrutiny.