Review of Promised Land (2012) by Cristian B — 15 Jan 2013
A thoughtful and well-made movie about a knotty issue. Director Van Sant and Writers Damon and Krasinski take a complex issue and present the different sides of the problem, by not offering easy answers.
The characters are not as clear-cut as they may appear, which ends up being an asset to the movie. The cast assembled is talented and up to the task. Damon anchors the movie with a subtle and effective performance.
Kransinski, McDormand, DeWitt, and Holbrook round out the supporting cast and all deliver strong performances. The story may be conventional, its depiction of big business versus the little guy has been told many times, but the topicality of the main issue and an unexpected twist keep the movie engrossing.
Van Sant also does an excellent job of presenting the small town and its people in an authentic manner. Thanks to some sharp writing by Damon and Krasinski and natural performances from the cast, the movie puts a human face to the issues and winds up being entertaining and heartfelt.
This review of Promised Land (2012) was written by Cristian B on 15 Jan 2013.
Promised Land has generally received mixed reviews.
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