Review of The Company You Keep (2012) by Maxwell H — 20 Aug 2013

I had high hopes for this political thriller given the vast talented cast. It's not as taught as I would have hoped for. For example, Susan Sarandon's character starts the domino effect of the movie by planning on turning herself in all because her mostly grown children have changed her. The problem is that we never get to know her to believe it to be true (and I'm a parent). If she hadn't of turned herself in, there would be no movie. So, the inciting incident was not believable.

The only other main female character also makes an unbelievable choice at the end of the film and also turns herself in after vehemently swearing she would not do so.

If it were not for these 2 bookended false decisions that were not in character with the female leads, this would have been an excellent movie. But instead, it was just an ok movie.

It was nice to see Robert Redford in the movies again. He is a classic actor, a fading icon and I would love to see him in more films. But not just any films, I want to see him in good films deserving of his talents.

Aside from that, the movie is pretty good. I'm not sure I buy Anna Kendrick is an FBI agent or that the FBI wouldn't do a background check into her relationship with another character that she helps and brings in.

I'm glad I rented this and felt it was a good deal as opposed paying a ton of money at box office.