Review of Green Zone (2010) by Davidp. — 22 Mar 2010

Live Review! Alright, the opening scenes were pretty well done...great use of sparse visuals to convey the chaos of the beginning of the war. Script not so much...very heavy handed. Ok, this is getting pretty silly.

Action is well done, and the direction continues to impress. Very reminiscent of director's other work. However, the script is soooo weak. It seems like it's trying to boil all the problems about the war down to a few archetypal characters: the cynical old expert that no one listens to anymore, the close minded younger administrator that refuses to see the big picture, the crusading grunt that follows the good no matter where it leads.

..none of these people are developed as...people. Everyone does a pretty good job with what they have to work with, however. I think we are sliding further and further out of reality. This film is certainly no "Hurt Locker.

" It is more fun, to be sure. The "truth about WMD" is the apparent heart of the story, which everyone watching this film already knows, and this might be the weakest link in the film, from a strictly 'thriller' standpoint.

1:11:00 into the film and Bush is declaring victory. It's these moments that pull you out of the fantasy of the 'thriller' aspect of the film and remind you that what it's using for fodder is a war that cost thousands of American and allied and hundreds of thousands of Iraqi lives, and to accomplish a completely imaginary goal .

Not a plus for getting lost in the story, which continues to be heavy handed and rushed. Good scene between Damon and Iraqi General character. However, the narrative which has been slowly shifting from WMD to the beginning of the insurgency is unfortunately lacking in lots of elements, attempting to blame the coming violence on debathification and the disbanding of the military alone.

This is a gross oversimplification, and if you are trying to inject a message into your action film, you are going to have to be judged by the message as much as the action. Ok, the film's over, and here's my verdict.

The direction was great, and the actors all put in good performances. The story was very spotty. The weighty message of the film seemed to be "America wanted the war and duped it's own military into fighting it for spurious reasons.

" This story has been told much better and much more honestly by filmmakers and media alike. I suppose if you enjoy your talking points with explosions and chase scenes, then this film is definitely your cup of tea, assuming you agree with said talking points.

I enjoy a good thriller and I enjoy a good exposé but mixing the two very rarely succeeds, and this film is no exception.