It's always good when a DVD rental is much better than one expects. But then again, Matt Damon has been on top of his game for years know. (He is one of my favorite actors.) The Good Shepherd is basically a fictionalized account of the formation of counter-intelligence in the USA. It is a bit of sleeper, as it is short on any type of hard action or violence. But if you are a modern history buff, as I am, and enjoy spy movies, you will enjoy this film.
The cast is fantastic. Director Robert De Niro has been trying to make this movie for over 10 years. He also stars in it as General Bill Sullivan, a character somewhat based on William Joseph Donovan. His character recruits Edward Wilson (Damon) to serve overseas during WWII, learning the black arts of the spying from the British. Angie Jolie plays Clover, Edward's wife. She pulls off the role nicely, but the real unsung siren is Tammy Blanchard. She plays Edward Wilson's college sweetheart, and is quite the beauty. Expect to see more of her. Quite talented.
The production values are high, and one can tell effort was made to get the details right. The Good Shepherd equals a good rental, and good date flick. B+.
I also enjoyed TGS, and yes, while it was short on action (I do love it when Damon goes into Borne-mode and starts kicking some ass), the plot more than made up for it. Angelina was ok, but the real standouts in it were Damon and Blanchard (she had presence!)
Look at you go, Flix! Review after review! I've fallen off the review wagon.
I was a little disappointed from the reviews I read when it first came out. I, too, am a solid fan of the Jason Bourne. But after two recommendations from you and Mish, I'll have to add this one to the netflix queue. Unfortunately my netflix queue has like 5000 titles. So I'll let y'all know what I thought of it in 2016. ;x
hah! Just had to comment on the hysterical Matt Damon clips! I saw his McConaughey impression on Letterman but hadn't caught his Kimmel clip until now. Truly funny stuff!
Flix - look for the miniseries "The Company" being produced by one of the cable networks - it is based on a really good book about the (fictionalized) history of the CIA
You know what got me?? When he met his wife she practically raped him when she first met him..Telling him to say he loved her..(sick).. But when he comes home after 7 years of being away and they have a child..She makes him sleep in a separate room?? Are you a dirty slut or not??
I have to admit - I didn't really like this movie, though I'm glad you did. I'm on the fence about Damon, and I found it odd that the movie spanned 20 years or so but he never aged much. It was also about an hour too long for me. I would have liked to have seen it cut down a bit.
Edit, I am thinking De Niro was looking to just get this on film, and was less concerned with the finer points of conventional filmmaking. As you're a professional in your field, I can see why you found it long. It was long.
17 comments:
It's always good when a DVD rental is much better than one expects. But then again, Matt Damon has been on top of his game for years know. (He is one of my favorite actors.) The Good Shepherd is basically a fictionalized account of the formation of counter-intelligence in the USA. It is a bit of sleeper, as it is short on any type of hard action or violence. But if you are a modern history buff, as I am, and enjoy spy movies, you will enjoy this film.
The cast is fantastic. Director Robert De Niro has been trying to make this movie for over 10 years. He also stars in it as General Bill Sullivan, a character somewhat based on William Joseph Donovan. His character recruits Edward Wilson (Damon) to serve overseas during WWII, learning the black arts of the spying from the British. Angie Jolie plays Clover, Edward's wife. She pulls off the role nicely, but the real unsung siren is Tammy Blanchard. She plays Edward Wilson's college sweetheart, and is quite the beauty. Expect to see more of her. Quite talented.
The production values are high, and one can tell effort was made to get the details right. The Good Shepherd equals a good rental, and good date flick. B+.
I also enjoyed TGS, and yes, while it was short on action (I do love it when Damon goes into Borne-mode and starts kicking some ass), the plot more than made up for it. Angelina was ok, but the real standouts in it were Damon and Blanchard (she had presence!)
Look at you go, Flix! Review after review! I've fallen off the review wagon.
I was a little disappointed from the reviews I read when it first came out. I, too, am a solid fan of the Jason Bourne. But after two recommendations from you and Mish, I'll have to add this one to the netflix queue. Unfortunately my netflix queue has like 5000 titles. So I'll let y'all know what I thought of it in 2016. ;x
hah! Just had to comment on the hysterical Matt Damon clips! I saw his McConaughey impression on Letterman but hadn't caught his Kimmel clip until now. Truly funny stuff!
Flix do you do it bunny style?
Mish, that's cool. You've already written about 100 more reviews than I have.
Haha,V! I know what you mean. Those netflix queues hold alot of hopes and desires!!
Joy, of course I do.
Um.... are we still talking about movies here?
Flix - look for the miniseries "The Company" being produced by one of the cable networks - it is based on a really good book about the (fictionalized) history of the CIA
Pru, just the good stuff.
Diane, I will for sure. If you remember the network, please let me know!!
TNT!
Damn those hypothyroid eyes!
You know what got me?? When he met his wife she practically raped him when she first met him..Telling him to say he loved her..(sick).. But when he comes home after 7 years of being away and they have a child..She makes him sleep in a separate room?? Are you a dirty slut or not??
if deniro directed and damon stars, i am so there! great review.
Thanks Diane. I actually saw a clip preview while channel surfing the other day, and it looks good!
Joy, there is no avoiding them. Pru has done it again.
Amber, I thought the same thing. But maybe she was an agent, too.
Thanks Kitty. It's a good weekend sleeper that doesn't take alot of energy to watch.
I have to admit - I didn't really like this movie, though I'm glad you did. I'm on the fence about Damon, and I found it odd that the movie spanned 20 years or so but he never aged much. It was also about an hour too long for me. I would have liked to have seen it cut down a bit.
I know this is a little late but I love the new design!
As for the film I have not seen it yet but I have heard nothing but good reviews.
Edit, I am thinking De Niro was looking to just get this on film, and was less concerned with the finer points of conventional filmmaking. As you're a professional in your field, I can see why you found it long. It was long.
Thanks, Pixie.
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