Average Shepherd

Rating: 5/10 (5 January 2007)

This is a movie with potential that never gets rolling. It groans along with little if any development of its characters and unexplained and confusing story lines.
Matt Damon's attempt to portray "Mr. Wilson" as a controlled, detached, and somewhat tormented CIA Lead Guy may have hit the mark for DeNiro (Director), but is an incredibly difficult character to make any connection with. Angelina Jolie has no real role here and this was not the movie to showcase any range as an actress. Does a CIA-based movie have to be confusing to watch just because it involves the intricacies of the CIA? "Spy Game" was also a CIA-based plot movie and moved along much more smoothly.
DeNiro literally "disappears" during the movie, and Joe Pesci's five minutes is five minutes too long - adding nothing. It was a lazy attempt and probably doesn't deserve as high a rating as I gave it. A good rental for a very rainy day - but rent two movies in case you become fatigued at another shot of Matt Damon in his trenchcoat and hat.