The Contender

Rating:
Summary: Definite "Contender" For Oscars!
Review: Rod Lurie's fascinating political drama stands as one of the best films of the year! This has turned out to be one of the worst years for cinema in a while, but it's so refreshing to see a movie as powerful, hearfelt, and realistic as this. The vice-president has been dead for weeks and now President Jackson Evans (Jeff Bridges) must select someone to fill in the vacany. The most popular choice would be Gov.Jack Hathaway ( William L. Petersen) who unsuccessfully tried to save the life of a drowning woman, but it still turned him into a hero. However, the President's choice is Sen. Laine Hanson (Joan Allen). And now it's up to congressman Shelly Runyon (Gary Oldman) to give her a quick confirmation. But, to put it simply, he hates her! He wants to ruin her, and make sure that Gov. Jack Hathaway is put into office. Reginald Webster (Christian Slater) is on Runyon's team to get as much dirt on Hanson as they can get. Now, with so many negative things coming out about her,you would automatically assume that she will fight back to protect her name, right? Wrong! She declares it's no one's business if any of the charges being set forth are true or false. And will refuse to answer any questions reguarding the situation. All of this makes for an entertaining look at what goes on behind close doors in the world of politics. Joan Allen delivers a performance that should bring an Oscar nomination to her. Gary Oldman is in my opinion the hightpoint of the film though, if he's not given a "Best Supporting Actor" nomination, I will be shocked. He brings such intensity to the role, he makes it so real, you forget your watching an actor. Jeff Bridges is very amusing as a President who's always trying to stomp the kitchem staff with his "wild" orders at anytime durning the day. And of course the screenplay written here by Rod Lurie has to get nominated. With so many odd things goingon today in politics, it wouldn't hurt to go see this movie, at least the problems in this movie will be solved it two hours, and not two weeks! Sounds much better, doesn't it?

Rating:
Summary: Allen And Oldman, Dynamic "Contenders"
Review: Unless you sleep through your days or live with your head buried in the sand, you know that, without a doubt, politics is a dirty business. But do we need to be reminded of that fact? The answer to that is, inarguably, yes; just as we must be reminded of the Holocaust lest we forget and allow history to repeat itself, we have to at least keep somewhat abreast of anything which so significantly affects our lives. And unfortunately (some would say), politics is one of those things, and whether we approach it actively or view it all with passive ambiguity, the fact remains that what happens in government affects us all in one way or another on a daily basis. "The Contender," written and directed by Rod Lurie, is a serious and sensitive examination of the political machinations employed to effect power and control within a democracy. In Lurie's scenario, the position of Vice President of The United States has been open for three weeks and must be filled. President Jackson Evans (Jeff Bridges) makes his choice: Senator Laine Hanson (Joan Allen), who would be the first woman in history to hold the position. First, however, she must be confirmed. And at this point, the real story begins to unfold as the beast rears it's head: Enter partisanism, personal agendas, media manipulation and, somewhere near the bottom of the list, Truth. To illustrate this dirtiest of all businesses, Lurie references a specific episode from the not-too-distant past, and draws a number of parallels to more recent political events, all of which are used purposefully and effect the desired results. It becomes not so much a case of good against evil so much as simply a question of what is right and what is wrong, who draws the line and who decides when and where that line should be crossed. To his credit, Lurie objectively presents both sides of the story without delving so deep as to mire the proceedings down with any unnecessary baggage merely to introduce any subjective leanings or to manipulate the audience one way or another. It's like a political campaign; viewers are left to decide for themselves and cast their vote as they may. The theme of the story itself is not virgin territory, but the way it's handled and delivered, including some exceptionally strong performances (there should be some Oscar nominations here), makes it unique. Joan Allen adds another exemplary performance to her resume, further demonstrating her great prowess as an actress. She imbues Laine Hanson with a strength and character that makes her entirely believable and credible. And Gary Oldman (in what is an uncharacteristic role for him) is absolutely dynamic as the ultra-conservative Shelly Runyon, who proves to be a most formidable opponent to Hanson and Evans. Bridges also comports himself well, creating a strong, insightful character in President Evans, exhibiting the very private, human qualities behind the public figure. The excellent supporting cast includes Christian Slater (Reginald Webster), Sam Elliott (Kermit), William Petersen (Hathaway), Philip Baker Hall (Oscar), Mike Binder (Lewis), Robin Thomas (William Hanson) and Saul Rubinek (Jerry). Lurie allows only a single lapse into melodrama (patriotic music begins to swell about half-way through Hanson's final speech), but the closing speech by President Evans is impeccably delivered with force and strength, and his words are exhilarating; how satisfying it is to hear things said that must and should be said, if only in the movies. Using the political arena to address subjects that concern all of us- morality, ethics, principles, truth and honesty- "The Contender" is riveting drama that invokes the conscience of a nation by examining the moral fiber and motives of those who would aspire to greatness. It's gripping entertainment with a message about Truth, Decency and the necessity of bipartisanism in politics; it's a statement well made, and one that should be taken to heart by all.

Rating:
Summary: WELL DONE POLILTICAL DRAMA
Review: In this election year, THE CONTENDER hits the mark as a well done political drama. Outstanding performances and a well conceived plot make this movie a possible oscar vehicle for some of its stars.

Jeff Bridges plays the president of The United States who is faced with a monumental decision: his vice president has died and he must soon name a nominee as the successor. After some good candidates are left by the wayside he chooses a powerful female senator played by Joan Allen as his nominee. During the confirmation proceedings it is learned that the senator has an alleged naughty sexual past. Gary Oldman plays the head of the confirmation committee that is hell bent on destroying her image and leading the charge to have her nomination dissaproved. When the good senator refuses to answer any and all questions regarding her personal life, it leads to some tense moments between her and the president's staff. The slanderous campaign against her is thickened by some dirty play by another contender for the nomination. A surprise ending is all it took to clinch this as a must see movie.

As I said, the plot is well thought out and brilliantly told in this script. The performances are solid all the way around. Joan Allen may find herself with an oscar nomination but even she is outshined by Gary Oldman. He is villanous, he is ruthless, he is just perfect in this role. I wouldnt be surprised if he took the best supporting Oscar statue for this character (at least based on what I have seen so far this year).

Everything about this movie is done right. I have seen it in the theatre and I will be adding it to my home collection. Watch it as soon as you can!

Rating:
Summary: Get off your soapbox, I can't see the screen!
Review: Don't worry, this isn't another liberal or conservative soapbox diatribe pushing the 1000 word envelope (ZZzzzzz)...this is an actual MOVIE REVIEW. YES, this film has a "slant". ANY film worth its salt has a VIEWPOINT. The fact that "The Contender" sparks such lively debate shows that it succeeds as a FILM, because it makes people THINK (what a concept). The movie blends Capraesque "Mr.Smith" idealism with backstabbing political intrigues worthy of ancient Rome. Gary Oldman is perfect as the Jesse Helms/Joe McCarthy/Newt Gingrich type out to "get" Joan Allen's idealized vice-presidential nominee. Allen gives a commanding performance and never rings a false note. Jeff Bridges plays the president somewhat broadly,(with an amusing wink and a nod to Bill Clinton's "inner foodie") but his charismatic screen charm wins out. Sam Elliott is a revelation as the president's ruthless, snake-in-the-grass "handler", contrasting his usual "laid back cowboy" image. Despite some dubious plot contrivances toward the end, "The Contender" is ultimately an intelligent, engaging and thought provoking entertainment.

Rating:
Summary: "CONTENDER" TRIES TO PUT DOWN CLINTON INVESTIGATION
Review: "The Contender" was made by a former West Point guy who is a liberal, a rarity in and of itself. It does not take a highly liberal position, but it is not conservative. The film's message is that the right's overarching investigations into Clinton's sex life were intrusive, although it does not examine the fact that his lies came under legal oath.
The V.P. dies and a woman Senator is nominated to replace him. A rumor circulates that while in college she was gangbanged by a fraternity. She refuses to answer the allegations. A conservative Senator (Gary Oldham, who is actually conservative and later expressed dismay at script changes to make conservatives look worse than originally planned), opposes her because of her alleged youthful promiscuity. He is also in league with another Senator who he wants to get the nod. The President (Jeff Bridges) sticks by the nominee and after a few twists and turns she gets in. The charges are never publicly refuted, which is the film's message. She reveals privately that the gangbang story was false, and the moral is that politician's personal lives are not open season for the press. This resonates to an extent, but the timing of the film, in light of the Clinton scandals, makes it obvious that the purpose is to dissuade the public that Clinton's immorality is our business.

STEVEN TRAVERS
AUTHOR OF "BARRY BONDS: BASEBALL'S SUPERMAN"
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Rating:
Summary: Depends on your point of view...
Review: ...as to answering the question, "will you like this movie?". If you have liberal leanings, politically, you might very likely enjoy this movie. If you are of the conservative like, then you would probably not like this movie. If you can manage to take how you feel about politics out of your mind while watching this flick, you have great self thought control. Politics aside, this movie is not bad, though. I thought Jeff Bridges was likable and the rest of the cast did a better than decent job, acting. The writing, on the other hand, was at times ok, but at times a bit over the top (the final presidential speech, for example). If you sit on the left side of the isle, you will enjoy how conservative politicians are generally portrayed as hypocritical scum bags. If you sit on the right side of the isle, you will point to this movie as just another example of how the left mis-portrays conservatism to meet their own agendas. My rating is 2 1/2 to 3 stars

Rating:
Summary: One of the best political thrillers ever made!
Review: "What I say, the American people will believe, and do you know why? Because I'll have a very big microphone in front of me."

This comes from the mouth of Congressman Shelly Runyon, one of the many characters in what is perhaps the most intriguing political thriller ever made, "The Contender," a film that captures so many of today's political and societal elements and behaviors that it becomes much more than just a movie, but a testimonial into the moral beliefs and traditional values of citizens and politicians alike. It focuses on a person's right to a personal life as well as that person's strength and ability to stick to them in a time when people run scared from their beliefs in the face of the possible consequences.

The premise of the story begins with the president's search for a suitable candidate to fill the vacant vice president's position after his own running mate's death a few short weeks ago. His first initial choice is Governor Jack Hathaway, whose recent attempted rescue of a drowned woman have made him a hero in the eyes of a nation. But President Jackson Evans decides that he wants someone that American citizens will value for their beliefs, and not for heroics, and therefore rejects Hathaway for his choice candidate, Senator Laine Hanson, who is more than happy to fill the position.

Being a Republican-turned-Democrat, Hanson is not liked by some, especially Shelly Runyon, who meets with the rejected Hathaway and lays out his plans of determination to bring down Hanson by delving into her past. He strikes pay dirt when he uncovers photographic evidence of Hanson being "gang-banged" by a college sorority group, and even though none of the photographs show her face outright, many witnesses appear to give their testimonial about the events of that evening, and not in Hanson's favor. As the hearings begin to determine whether or not she is a likely and qualified candidate for the position, the rumors begin to build, more witnesses arrive, but never does Hanson confess or deny the allegations brought against her, stating clearly that it is no one's business as to what her past involved.

From the very beginning, the movie piles on the politics, giving us all the terminology without ever making it sound too complicated or overly brainy. It has all the makings of a perfect political thriller, and it takes those makings and makes them reality, giving us a story that is based not only on a person's rights, but on the way in which today's society behaves when there is an authority figure involved in a scandal.

The movie itself is a testament to this way of thinking, because instead of focusing solely on the possible sexual proclivities of Hanson, it chooses to allow Runyon to question her morals concerning her political beliefs as well. He very rarely attacks her on the basis of her past, but instead criticizes her beliefs on abortion, separation of church and state, and her atheism. This is the defining contrast between the two major forces against Hanson in the film: the press focuses on her sexual past, while the governing bodies lean towards her moral and societal beliefs.

And in dealing with her sexual past, the movie is truly wonderful in never coming out and saying that it, in fact, is her in the photographs, or whether or not she did engage in "deviant sex." Rare flashback glimpses never give us a clear look at her, nor do the photos. This gives the movie such a great opportunity which it capitalizes on: it allows Hanson to make a choice between allowing the allegations to overtake her or to simply look upon them as personal and say nothing publicly. In her choice to remain silent about her affairs, Hanson comes off as strong, morally righteous and defiant of those who want her out of the running.

The plot for this film is complete and utter brilliance, with twist after twist, and revelation after enticing revelation. What really keeps it moving is its connections to the real political world, using such events as Bill Clinton's affair with Monica Lewinsky as an example of moral belief. The movie also takes a stand on how our nation looks solely at the bad qualities and past events of a person's life, without ever really paying attention to the greatness they have to offer to this country.

Performances are solid all around, with an especially commendable performance from Joan Allen, who is the centerstage for all the goes on in this movie. She plays the part of Laine Hanson, who, through Allen's performance, comes off as solid, strong, and most importantly, intelligent, in the face of her enemies. Her acting for this movie deserves a nomination for something at least. Jeff Bridges plays President Evans with sincerety and wit, and he is able to make us believe in the President's stand behind his candidate with firm dialogue and attitude. Gary Oldman plays Shelly Runyon, and does so with all the deviousness and craftiness that he brings to his many other roles that require this trait. He is the character of the film that we love to hate, and by movie's end, we hae no remorse for him. The supporting cast, which includes Christian Slater, Sam Elliot and William Petersen, all bring more life and charisma to the picture, making this cast one of the best of 2000.

"The Contender" itself is one of the ten best films of 2000, and also the most innovative political thriller ever made. There were moments that I cheered for; there were times when I felt such a connection between the fiction of the film and reality that it almost seemed disturbing that this is such an accurate portrayal of how we as a nation act in the face of scandal. The movie has a lot to say about us, and about personal rights, and it carries all of this off successfully and with competence.

Rating:
Summary: Sex, politics, and intrigue
Review: "The Contender," the film written and directed by Rod Lurie, has a fascinating premise. After the death of the vice president of the United States of America, the president (played by Jeff Bridges) decides to appoint a woman senator (played by Joan Allen) to the vacant position. She would thus make history as the first woman to hold the office. But when a right-wing congressman (played by Gary Oldman) uncovers allegations of past scandalous behavior on the part of the "veep" hopeful, a nasty political battle threatens to derail the historic appointment.

There are a lot of good points to "The Contender." The performances are excellent. Joan Allen is fiery and determined as the prospective vice president. I especially liked Jeff Bridges as the president: his performance is deliciously sly. Director/scripter Lurie has written some stirring pieces of oratory which the cast delivers with vigor.

But the film is unsatisfying in some respects. Gary Oldman's character, despite the actor's talent, comes across as a shallow stereotype. I'm not sure if Oldman was let down by the script, by the editing room, or both. Also, a couple of plot twists struck me as somewhat hard to swallow.

Nevertheless, "The Contender" is an entertaining and thought-provoking political thriller. Both political junkies and fans of good acting should appreciate this film.

Rating:
Summary: makes me mad
Review: this movie makes me sooooooooo mad because it could have been a good film. But turning the Oldman character into a caricature, falling for the lame ending, ugh. could go on. Hated it.

Rating:
Summary: "Political thriller"? I think not.
Review: An excellent cast is wasted in this overlong, self-important diatribe that showcases everything conservatives target liberals on (and I'm a liberal myself!).

It has plot holes so large you could walk through them, a totally ludicrous ending, illogical subplots, silly characters (especially the ditzy, fawning female FBI agent), and several things that made no sense whatsoever and make me wonder how much the "political insider" who wrote it knows about American political parties' positions on issues. In what universe would someone with Laine Hanson's (Joan Allen) views ever have been a Republican? And it is strongly implied that her father (Philip Baker Hall), a former governor, was a Republican, yet he is adamantly opposed to any expression of religion. Then there's the part where, after the governor of Virginia (CSI's William Petersen) tries in vain to rescue a drowning woman, the president's chief of staff (Sam Elliott) says to the Va. governor when he is not tapped to be vice president, "we don't need another Chappaquiddick." Uh...sorry guys, but this isn't the same situation as Chappaquiddick.

The film made the salient point that politicians' personal lives have no bearing on their competency, but the filmmaker hammers the point home in such a way with his lack of subtlety and the loooooong ending that he renders his message ineffective. And while the film claims to be feminist, it seems to take every opportunity to degrade and humiliate the Joan Allen character. As a previous Amazon reviewer said, there's something in this film to offend everyone. I give it two stars only for the cast (they all tried mightily to overcome their material) and the authenticity of the sets.