Michael Ledo
The film deals with the age old conflict of control of natural resources. In this case an international company called Clear-Bec runs water filtration systems. It makes deals with governments to take over the waterways used by the poor indigenous population, then turn around and sell them what has been free. Old progressives are familiar with this type of thing from Susan George's "How the Other Half Dies" (1976).In this particular case, the water in an Ecuadorian village becomes polluted with sewage and leads to a typhus epidemic which wipes out a village. Part of the damage control was to have the military ensure there were no witnesses. The incident is brought to the attention of Morgan Swinton (Deborah Kara Unger) part owner of the evil corporation. She has a conscience and wants to get to the bottom of the incident against the wishes of her brother and the rest of the company.She hires radio talk show host and former CIA agent Jack Begosian (Andy Garcia) who used to work on the other side of these types of issues. For him it is a chance for redemption and to bury those demons. His goal is to bring back the only witness, an activist who has the secret files of what happened, Francisco Francis (Forest Whitaker).The film is about a fictional corporation doing things that are not beyond the realm of reason, until they bring the fight home, then I had to scratch my head. Personally I would have liked to seen a dramatization of a certain soft drink company who we all know and love and their involvement with the assassination of union leaders in Columbia.Andy Garcia and Forest Whitaker are typically animated characters in stories. In this movie they are rather subdued and defined more by their philosophical ramblings than actions. The plot was fairly simple without any real twist. The final shoot out I found grossly unbelievable. I never got to experience the pain of the affected people, nor did I develop any type connection with the main character whose past, which was fundamental to understanding him, was not fully explained. Not as good as Sean Connery in the Amazon Rain Forest.Parental Guide: No F-bombs, sex, or nudity. Killing, some blood not overly graphic.
Bill Jordan
... because I couldn't get through it. I don't think there was an original line of dialog, and the story was as old as movies themselves. Andy Garcia still appears in an enjoyable film from time to time, but I have no idea what happened to Forrest Whitaker. He's become one of those people who, when you see them as part of the cast, make you think 'well, that has to be crap.' At one point in this tripe, Garcia has the line "I've done some things I'm not proud of," and I was sure he was thinking "like this movie" in response.His radio-show dialog is supposed to be deeply philosophical and wise, but it just comes across as hokey and clichéd, and everyone who 'calls in' sounds like they are in the first day of acting class.If you are perusing through your on-demand menu looking for an entertaining show, skip this one. Even when not original, a film can still be entertaining to watch, but Garcia's performance in this is so unemotional it basically puts you to sleep, and he's the exciting one! It gets a 3 only because I've seen worse, though I can't think of what they are at the moment.
thisisalbundy
This is one of the best corporate scandal movies ever made. This time it involves a Canadian company rather than a standard typical stereotype American one.Worldwide travelers like me will appreciate the international realistic business environment exposure that includes Canada, South Africa and Ecuador. Plot twists and turns do not disappoint. Scenes look very realistic and portray how real life business and living conditions exist in these parts of the world.The performances are outstanding. Andy Garcia gives perhaps his best acting performance yet in his career. Forest Whitaker is equally as impressive shining again as an actor playing another convincing international role character.Please do yourself a favor and watch this movie. It entertains and delivers so it should not be missed.
Amelia McCutcheon
Very well put together. It kept us at edge from beginning to end.Very well acted. Andy Garcia's face displayed pain, dilemma and at the same time internal strength. Forest Whitaker reminded me of Nelson Mandela, caring about the people rather than himself. Eva Longoria played her limited role very well. Deborah Kara Unger was good but could have shown more emotion, such as anger, passion.Premise of the movie is possible, thus making the movie realistic. It also confirmed how right the cause was that natural resources, like water, belong to the people, not to private industries and government.The end of the movie showed that there is good in most of us.Should have more movies like this. Very worth seeing!
AD
