Review of Promised Land (2012) by Roy J — 12 Jan 2013

Must I be satisfied with a slightly entertaining, almost meaningless movie when so much more was possible? It is almost as though there is a boardroom full of marketing gurus somewhere who now rule the cinematic roast. These experts say you can't overestimate the intelligence of the American audience and expect to make a decent profit. If your movie doesn't have any stupid plot twists or unexplained coincidences, then you will have to fund it yourself. Promised Land contains so many stupid plot tricks and manipulative writing devices that I just found the movie discouraging, when it could have been a great and entertaining vehicle for exploring the tension inherent in making societal trade offs.

Finally, I recommend seeing the documentary, Gasland, before seeing this movie.