Promised Land Review
RYAN: This is the new fracking movie.
CAROLINE: Doesn’t that kinda sound like a bad word?
RYAN: [laughs’ Yes. And to some, it is. And that’s actually what this movie is about.
CAROLINE: How was it?
RYAN: Good. It’s written by Matt Damon and John Krasinski and it’s quite a strong script. Let’s not forget Matt won an Oscar for writing Good Will Hunting many moons ago.
CAROLINE: Who could forget that?!
RYAN: And John costars and they’re both great. Not surprising since they wrote it. I can imagine when you’re writing lines for yourself you can tweak them perfectly to where you know you can sell them.
CAROLINE: Yeah there must be an advantage to that.
RYAN: So fracking is this process where companies break into the the earth, very deep, trying to release natural resources. And apparently their are some not-so-green dangers in doing so. It’s a political hot topic and this movie explores both sides but really comes out strongly on one.
CAROLINE: It’s interesting they would make a movie with a message. How’s Frances McDormand in it?
RYAN: I love her. She’s so good and she and Matt have some great chemistry and camaraderie.
CAROLINE: They don’t play a couple, do they?
CAROLINE: Yeah she’s so not famous but seems to have had some impactful roles.
RYAN: This movie is surprising. It’s coasting a bit under the radar. It’s small and it’s directed by Gus Van Sant who did Milk, To Die For and Good Will Hunting, among others. He’s super good and obviously works well with the Damon.
CAROLINE: Yeah he’s a Hollywood heavyweight.
RYAN: There is a twist in the movie, though.
CAROLINE: Oh? I kinda hate that you mentioned that.
RYAN: I know. And we don’t do spoilers but we can mention that there’s something along the lines of a twist. And I wasn’t expecting it.
CAROLINE: Oh that’s always pleasing.
RYAN: I liked this movie. It’s certainly an interesting topic and not too much about the business. There is enough of a focus on the relationships to balance it out and it’s also a bit suspenseful. Matt’s character has a great arc in the story. Still it’s more of a rental and not really getting much awards buzz, if any.
