| |
|
|
| REVIEW |
STORE |
GALLERY |
OFFICIAL SITE
|
|
Year:
2007 |
Rated:
R |
Runtime:
|
|
Starring:
Mark Wahlberg, Michael Pena, Rhona Mitra, Danny
Glover, Jonathan Lemkin |
|
Directed
by: Antoine Fuqua |
|
Written
by: Jonathan Lemkin |
|
Based on:
Point of Impact by Stephen Hunter |
|
Music
by: Mark Mancina |
|
Movie
Studio: Paramount Pictures, Di
Bonaventura Pictures |
|
 |
|
|
Store |
|
|
|
Review |
|
|
|
|
|
By Edwin Hopkins
Email Mr.
Hopkins
Super
After some intense pondering, I found that there would be
some serious questions I would have to ask intrusive government
officials if I were selected to help prevent our President from
being assassinated. The basic query- If you have all these details
on how it’s going to be done, why can’t you stop it? Plus, if only a
mere handful of individuals possess the unique ability to shoot
something from over a mile, why not put them all under surveillance? |
| You would think Mark Wahlberg’s Bobby Lee Swagger would have
sense enough to demand answers to these and maybe some other hard
hitting inquiries from Colonel Isaac Johnson (Danny Glover) and his
entourage when they make an unscheduled visit to Swagger’s mountain
cabin. The reason he’s there is because this same government failed
him during a military operation in Ethiopia three years ago. So
naturally, he’s refuses to have anything to do with them ever again-
at first. His problem is, he’s a die hard patriot. Once Johnson
appeals to this “weakness” Swagger agrees. Then ends up being framed
for a political assassination.
As a military retiree, I can appreciate the various reasons
people decide not to stay the course and get out. Consequently, I,
as well as non-military, can understand why Swagger must go on the
run to prove his innocence. To paraphrase an old saying, “Betray me
once, shame on you. Betray me twice, shame on me.” |
|
| Jonathan Lemkin’s rigid screenplay based upon the
Stephen Hunter’s novel Point of Impact, makes no apologies
concerning government conspiracies and cover ups. We have all seen
them played out in presidential administrations. Lemkin’s characters
leave a harsh reminder of the power of corruption and how that same
corruption literally consumes those in power.
Wahlberg’s Bobby Lee Swagger embodies the “underdog.” The lone
warrior Senator Beachum (Ned Beatty) refers to in the trailer as a
poor misguided soul who thinks that one man can make a difference,
and you have to kill him to convince him otherwise. Of course
Swagger, bolstered by his military expertise, makes his demise
rather difficult to pull off. Even after a miss at seemingly point
blank range during a crucial part in the movie.
Swagger is eventually partnered with FBI rookie Nick Memphis
played by Michael Pena. Despite being green, his in-depth
investigation reveals that someone other than Swagger definitely
took the killshot. Now, since this is a government cover-up, this
could get him in deep kimchi with the superiors. Only one colleague,
Rhona Mitra’s Alourdes Galindo reluctantly offers crucial
information on a case she exhorts Memphis to abandon.
Sarah Fenn (Kate Mara) actually becomes Swagger’s first ally upon
escaping authorities in D.C. after the set up. She’s the widow of
his ill-fated partner Donny from the Ethiopian debacle. At first
glance you would think her feeble. But later on she may surprise you
at just how gallant she really is. Mara’s natural façade of
innocence belies a lack of confidence. As Sarah, she’s a bit nervous
about being thrust into all this and handles it admirably.
Former music video director Antoine Fuqua’s Training Day earned
Denzel Washington his second Oscar, this time as best actor for
2001. I doubt that his top liner Mark Wahlberg will follow suit for
Shooter. However, as with Denzel, Fuqua draws first class
performances from all his actors and actresses, common and
prominent. If anything, he has reinforced real life suspicions
regarding the U.S. government, giving all of us ample reason to fear
them more than any foreign power. |
|
by Joe De Matteo
Solid
I like the film I lived the book.
Exciting, good plot movement and great visuals. |
| The politics, I feel were too strong and
distracting, fact is, you don't have to explain the
concept of conspiracy; even a smart guy like me
finds it an easy go-along. Wahlburg, a solid actor
(Boogie Nights, Perfect Storm, Italian Job,
Departed), but not someone I personally run out to
see; I don't know why, he has never disappointed me.
Danny Glover does a funny Clint Eastwood
imitation, and a decent acting job. And,
Michael Peña, well, it took me a while to recognize
him, but he was super.
Yes, I have the DVD; so should you. |
|
| |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |
|
