Movies.ie

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• Currently 3/5 Stars.

Movies.ie Critic Review

True-life political skullduggery of the highest order, as CIA agent Valerie Plame (Watts) finds her cover blown by White House officials. The main motivation for the expose would appear to be a 2003 New York Times op-ed piece by her husband, Joseph K. Wilson (Penn), stating that the Bush administration had sexed up their intelligence about weapons of mass destruction as they prepared to invade Iraq.

THE VERDICT: The sometimes-great and quite often bonkers Doug Liman (Go, The Bourne Identity, Jumper) takes a fascinating true-life tale and turns it into a midly intriguing movie. Based on Plame’s 2007 memoir Fair Game: My Life As A Spy, My Betrayal By The White House and Wilson’s The Politics Of Truth, there’s a lot to like about this movie – from the first-rate leads to Liman’s admirable goal of digging deep into Plame and her husband’s sometimes tricky home life, both before (think True Lies) and after the Capitol Hill attack (think Bourne and beyond). So, why didn’t I really love it?

Review by Paul Byrne 

• Avg User rating
• Currently 3/5 Stars.

User Reviews

• • Currently 3/5 Stars.

  SINEAD

  

  I spent the first 30 minutes of this movie bored to tears, but once you get passed the setup it evolves into something rather interesting. The fact that it's based around a true story makes it even more compelling.

• • Currently 3/5 Stars.

  Jenfiction

  

  I was really looking forward to seeing this as I thought an intelligent CIA movie would be really action packed but although the story is interesting, this film doesn't really communicate that until the end. So overall, it's very slow moving and a bit boring. Surprising for its subject matter!

• • Currently 4/5 Stars.

  dainiux

  

  An engrossing, well-written and acted movie

• • Currently 5/5 Stars.

  Randy

  

  It's evident that the starting point for this film was the message, not a formulaic story that gets most "based on a true story" movies into awards' glory. Scenes of violence, explosions and murders, usually associated with political intrigue on film, are absent. What ensues is an immersive cinematic experience, putting you right in the midst of the lives, emotions and the conflicts of the characters involved. The film comes across as accurate and indebted to the contributions from the real-life counterparts. Sean Penn and Naomi Watts are charismatic and believable, with Watts excelling in yet another role with a tough exterior. The script is excellent, boasting memorable lines which are inspiring and thought-provoking, making the film a must-see, even if your interest in politics is minimal.

• • Currently 4/5 Stars.

  ging-grr

  

  Doug Liman takes on the challenge of a character lead political thriller rather than his normal action lead fare like The Bourne Identity, Mr and Mrs Smith or even Jumper for that matter. The lead characters were chosen well in the form of the usually dependable Sean Penn and Naomi Watts, both ably portraying the strong willed couple at the heart of the story. For those who have seen 21 Grams, you will know they have a great almost understated on screen chemistry and it is apparent again here, particularly as they had to portray a very personal side to a story which got a lot of attention in the media. This film paints a grim picture of Bush administration and the corruption that occured around the time of the second Gulf War. This movie is not for you if you want an action thriller but if you are looking for a character lead piece with excellent performances then this is for you.

• • Currently 4/5 Stars.

  masonica

  

  For those expecting Doug Liman to re-tread his Bourne Identity work will be very disappointed. Fair Game is very much a political thriller in the 70's mold where plot and character were king. There is no action in this movie. What it does achieve is a compelling story of how those in power abuse their position and how victims of that abuse can fight back despite the agencies supposed to protect the public failing to do so. The two leads excel in their portrayal of a very principled couple. Ably supported by the fine cast this film paints a less than rosy picture of America's previous administration.

• • Currently 3/5 Stars.

  Ellegibbons

  

  Emmmm film was alright but not engaging enough for my taste, I liked the fact that it is based on a true story, but not worth going to the cinema for - a good rental