Review of Lions for Lambs (2007) by Benb. — 15 Nov 2007

Look, in no way is this a perfect film. Way too often does Robert Redford descend into his now-infamous political preach-i-ness, and as a result, the film suffers. HOWEVER, I do think that the film has enough wit and bite to go along with the endless talking, especially in the scenes between Cruise and Streep, who vehemently attack one another with words and arguments that far outdo any Presidential Debate in history.

The story involving soldiers isn't half bad either, generating genuine suspense for whether or not these characters will ever get off of the mountaintop that has become their prison. But if there is a genuinely yawn inducing plot thread in Lions for Lambs, it's the (mercifully short) one-on-one between professor Redford and a flaky student.

For one thing, it has very little to do with the rest of the film, and forgive me if you disagree, but I just don't find a 30 minute inspirational speech on why you should attend class all that interesting.

But as mentioned, these scenes do go quick, as if Redford himself knew that they were little more than an excuse to get him in front of the camera, and it's not long before we're back with Cruise and Streep or Luke and Pena.

All in all, it's a good film- I just wish it was a great one.