Rating: 
Summary: Well done, well acted
Review: The Contender is a wonderful movie. The underlying plot is one that gives the audience the credit it deserves. This is the kind of movie that makes you think about what would happen in reality if the a woman was nominated for a vice presidential vacancy.
Although the ending is less than suspenseful, the way that the plot gets there is the fun. Bridges does an excellent job as the President and Joan Allen is fabulous. The supporting cast of Oldman (great makeup) and Slater and their acting ability only help to further the films believability.At times the dialogue seemed a bit contrived, however the acting was great across the board. Overlooking the obvious conservative bashing slant that the movie takes, this is a great movie.
Rating: 
Summary: Positive Garbage
Review: Before the opening credits roll, you can predict how this clunker will end. The Conservative will end up being a murderer, and the female candidate will be anointed Pope. Or at least vice (emphasis on vice) president. Of course, the Republican is the bad guy, and the Democrat is the Saint in this STUPID movie. This movie is a complete melodrama. Save yourself the money of buying this dog, and know that the female Democrat becomes VP. The Republican is disgraced (shocking...SHOCKING, i say) in this badly written, lamely acted "behind the scenes" yawn-o-rama of political "intrigue". Joan Allen shows precisely one emotion: stoicism. That's it. She's accused of being promiscuous--she's stoic. She's accused of being pro-abortion--she's stoic. She's accused of being a prostitute--she's stoic. BORING. Rotten movie. Save your money for anything superior. Perhaps "The Hot Chick". At least it's not boring.
Rating: 
Summary: ... And A 'Contenda' It Is!
Review: Crackling dialogue and political intrigue -- along with a host of smart performances by Joan Allen, Jeff Bridges, Christian Slater, and Gary Oldman -- elevate this story about the worst kind of political bickering to a level other films only hope to reach. Joan Allen plays a senator awaiting confirmation to serve in the second highest office in the country -- the Vice President of the United States -- but a seedy past -- or is it? -- and some scheming political rivals stand in her way. Released in the midst of the Clinton presidency, THE CONTENDER didn't receive the kind of box office it deserved, but it is precisely the brave performances in this brave film that have kept it alive in the video rental and sales market.
Rating:
Summary: Can't recommend this movie enough....
Review: It is sad that some of the best politicians are only to be found on the screen these days. I hadn't expected much from The Contender and I was stunned when this quickly became one of my favorites. The writing was excellent and the acting simply amazing. Joan Allen's character, Laine Hanson, is the ultimate role model for women and the politician we wish we had in the White House. She, along with the rest of the cast, kept me guessing until the end when all of my assumptions formed at the beginning of the movie were severely challenged. I am truly impressed with a movie when it forces me to take a hard look at my own preconceptions and beliefs. This is definitely one of those movies. I highly recommend The Contender. Well done!
Rating:
Summary: Horrible!
Review: Easily one of the worst movies I've ever seen. It claims to be a thriller but I had to force myself to watch until the end waiting for anything substantive or exciting to happen...an hour and a half of my life I can't get back. I would try to sell the movie but I would feel guilty taking even ... from someone and perpetuating this atrocity.
Rating: 
Summary: Impossible to Believe Storyline
Review: It's a shame that this film is so wildly unrealistic because the general plot is a good one. Much of the dialogue is also impressive but it can't escape the unbelivable story elements. For one thing, the administration itself would have uncovered the possible scandal in their own vetting process, which, by the way, would have started months before the nomination announcement. Secondly, any VP (or VP nominee) that refused to tell the President what really happened in a scandal threatening the administration would be quickly dumped. Oldman's tirade regarding abortion is equally ludicrous and would be political suicide for a Speaker of the House. Furthermore, the resulting furor would enrage the fellow members of his party (and make it simple to label the VP nomination mess as a witch hunt by right wing extremists). Finally, the predictable climax in the oval office is laughable. Did anyone bother to try and figure out why the Prseident goes to all the trouble of having the Governor arrested right in front of him? What's the point? The performances, however, are all strong, especially Oldman's. Too bad they didn't have better material.
Rating:
Summary: The new champion of boxing films!
Review: A fascinating look inside the world of female prize fighting, "The Contender" showcases not only Joan Allen's brilliant acting, but also provides the opportunity for her to show off a devastating left hook. Kudos to Jeff Bridges as her crusty old manager, Mickey.
Rating:
Summary: I wasted 2 hours of my life on this!
Review: This type of mind rape is what is wrong with Hollywood. There is no climax to the movie, it's extremely patronizing and misrepresentative of the Republican Party, and it has more discrepencies than I could count. But for one: During the confimation hearing, Joan Allen's character claims that she left the Republican party for the Democratic Party because the party moved away from it's beliefs. Now anyone knows that the Republican party is doing more to move to the left than anything. Without giving much away, she also claims to be an Atheist, for removing guns from every home in the country, and she is a vegetarian. Now does anyone remember the politician who also had these same views? If you said Adolf Hitler you'd be correct.
Bottom Line: Go see Joan Allen in Pleasantville, Gary Oldman and Christian Slater in True Romance, and Jeff Bridges in Arlington Road... just save yourself from this mindnumbing drivel.
Rating:
Summary: a good film - with a few glitches
Review: I thoroughly enjoyed this film - it's a well-done glimpse of behind the scenes in Washington, and I liked the message it sends. The characters were more than a little idealistic, but I enjoyed watching idealism far more than the cynical and demoralizing messages that are more common. I wondered about one flaw though: Maybe I'm wrong, but I believe there was a reference to the president being 6 1/2 years into his presidency. This would mean the following year was an election year. Why on earth would there be such a cutthroat bid for the vice-presidency, when the appointee would only be there for 1 1/2 years. If they wanted to eventually run for president, wouldn't they already be conducting their campaigns by that point? Just an tiny oversight on Lurie's part, but it makes the movie's depiction of the deadliness of the pursuit for this office rather improbable. But a great story, nevertheless.
Rating:
Summary: The Contender
Review: Joan Allen gives a tour de force performance in this first rate political thriller. Allen plays Laine Hanson, the first woman ever to be nominated for Vice President. There are many who want Laine out of the position, and dig up dark secrets to oust her. Laine Hanson is accused of "sexual deviancy" for participating in an orgy while in college. When the secret is made public, Laine refuses to speak of the incident. "My past is just that. Mine." She continues this resolve as she is attacked vehemently on every aspect of her life, and persecuted until she is in danger of losing everything. The President (Jeff Bridges) still thinks that she is the right person for the job, and continues to believe in her. "The Contender" is a tautly written drama with first rate performances from Oscar nominated Joan Allen and Jeff Bridges, and Sam Elliott, Gary Oldman, and Christian Slater do well in supporting roles. You will be on the edge of your seat as Laine staunchly upholds her beliefs and refuses to lose her dignity. Jeff Bridges is great as the President, giving a stirring speech at the close of the film. Ultimately, "The Contender" is about one noble woman's fight to have the right to choose and succeed in a man's world. Joan Allen is so unforgettable in this role, it seems impossible that Julia Roberts was the one who walked away with the Oscar. Because it's political themes echo are own at the moment, "The Contender" did not do well at the box office. It is a suspenseful, powerful statement about America, with a cast that soars. See it.
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