Review of The Contender
Year: 2000 Reviewer: Chris Docker
The film goes from a rather slow "are we going to see some action?" to a rather smug moral high ground as the pieces gather pace. Notwithstanding this, it makes some intellectually challenging comment on public vs private morality and the equality of the sexes. Joan Allen as the vice-presidential candidate is remarkably strong - rather stronger than we expect our politicians to be, and Jeff Bridges as the U.S. president blends toughness and earthiness in an almost convincing manner. Chameleonesqe Gary Oldman is barely recognizable as the Very Bad Guy and Christian Slater, in one of the less demanding parts, plays a fast-talking smart-ass character that he seems to enjoy. If you like analyzing the ethical validity of the dilemmas posed, go and see The Contender - if you just want a political action-drama though, this film may not hit the high points for you.
Rating: 8/10
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