On C List of Movie Reviews
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The Contender (2000)
Rate:
9
Viewed:
5/04, 6/22
6/22:
Better than Advise & Consent, The Contender is a modern remake that branches out with a strong cast.
Honestly, I hate politicians and how they conduct themselves. They're nothing but criminals in expensive suits with well-timed
lines and manners. Anyone can spot them as fakes from a mile away. Unsurprisingly, The Contender is full of
them, yet it's a well-made movie with exceptional acting across the board although there's an obvious liberal slant.
It's extremely difficult to see Laine Hanson succeeding through the confirmation as Vice President of the United
States due to the less-than-stellar content of her character. In reality, the scandal should have finished Laine's career
in politics before Kamala Harris can stop giggling like a goddamn fool, regardless of what she said to the president at the end,
because public perception is literally everything.
Gary Oldman may be a solid actor, but I find him guilty of being phony at times. Nevertheless, he has done a
fine job while Joan Allen isn't bad although I hate her character. Sam Elliott may have given the performance of his
career; as a result, he got robbed of an Oscar nomination. Happily, it went to Jeff Bridges who's by far the best
performer of the show. By the way, that's not the real Arlington National Cemetery because nobody is allowed to run there.
All in all, if you love political films, don't miss The Contender.