IF you re a fan of slick, clever film-making and not necessarily a stickler for logic and socio-political accuracy, then Vantage Point which opens this week could be the film for you. Much like the TV series 24, it manages to be both intelligent and dumb
IF you're a fan of slick, clever film-making and not necessarily a stickler for logic and socio-political accuracy, then Vantage Point which opens this week could be the film for you.
Much like the TV series 24, it manages to be both intelligent and dumb at the same time.
The American president (William Hurt) is in Spain, about to sign a peace treaty when he is shot, a bomb goes off and basically all hell breaks loose. We first see this through the eyes of TV news producer Sigourney Weaver and her banks of TV screens but then we get to see the same events played out from various different perspectives, each time getting a new piece of the jigsaw.
There's jumpy secret service man Dennis Quaid and his colleague Matthew 'Jack from Lost' Fox, tourist Forest Whitaker and Spanish cop Eduardo Noriega.
While the central gimmick is not entirely groundbreaking, it is an interesting one and the non-linear storyline makes Vantage Point stand out from the pack. Yes it's really just an action movie with cartoon villains but, in the hands of British director Pete Travis, it's pacy and fun. Don't expect any insights into global politics but enjoy the ride.
JIM BLUCK
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here