Decent Movie

Rating: 7/10 (22 February 2006)

(The spoilers are not plot giveaways - but I make comparisons with some other films, and thought that might be construed by some as a spoiler)
I liked this film. Had heard nothing about it. I am intrigued by the assertion that it was based on true events. I would like to know what they mean by "based on". The story is compelling. Nicholas Cage is back to playing the attractive version of himself again. Seems like every other movie, he alternates between being handsome and hideous, which in and of itself, is something of a skill. Jared Leto's part I think was not fantastic. Given its similarity to his role in "Requiem for a Dream" I don't think he really broke any new ground. He also wasn't particular believable as being Ukrainian. The movie had a similar narration technique to that used in movies like "Fight Club" and also had a certain matter-of-fact way of presenting a fairly brutal story, that also gave me a similar vibe. It's overall an entertaining, semi-political, semi-action, semi-thriller. Keeps the energy level going at 75% just about the whole way through. I heard the special features are great, but I didn't have the opportunity to watch them, unfortunately. The only characters that were well developed were Nicholas Cage, and to a much lesser extent, Jared Leto, and the Liberian leader (can't figure out the actor's name from the credit list). In some sense, that's not particularly strong on character development. Really the movie is about the story, and Nicholas Cage's character. But there are other movies in this category that probably managed to develop more than one character. As I write this, I feel like I'm almost talking myself down from the 7/10 rating I gave, but the story was good, so I'll stick with it.