An Example for Future Films

Rating: 9/10 (21 July 2006)

This film, like "Good Night and Good Luck", sends a clear message to me and hopefully to movie makers everywhere: we need more movies highlighting social and political issues, and we need more media outlets with some integrity.
This film, directed by Michael Mann ("Miami Vice"), has given me a new respect for Mann and also for Russell Crowe, who I thought was not good for much besides getting sweaty and punching people. Crowe is a winner here, and alongside Al Pacino (who can do no wrong as far as I'm concerned) we have a dynamic duo on par with Batman and Robin.
The story is of a tobacco executive (Crowe) who turns against his former employer with the help of a media producer (Pacino). With lawsuits a death threats the tobacco industry tries to stop them. I was not sure how the film was going to end because it keeps twisting and turning and although the true story did not happen long ago it was not one I was familiar with.
I'm not going to critique the music or the directing or the acting or any other aspect of this film, other than to say it was excellent. The film was a bit on the long side, but this was not a bad quality in any way. I never felt a scene was wasted and the pacing was good enough to keep me engrossed. I admit I should have been sleeping for work but this movie held me to my screen.
The Pepsi girl was in this film... who is almost as creepy as the Welch's grape juice girl. I don't know why I feel the need to mention that, but I do. Someday when I can't remember those commercials any more I will probably appreciate this actress more.
Anyway, great film. See it.