Lions for Lambs

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An overtly political thought-provoker from old school Hollywood liberalist Robert Redford, Lions For Lambs marks the first feature from the revamped (and now Cruise-run) United Artist studio. Exploring the faith of two US soldiers dropped behind enemy lines through three parallel narratives all linked to the two men, Lambs marks an extreme departure for Tom Cruise the actor, as he plays a Machiavellian hotshot Republican senator who gives a one hour interview to Streep's experienced (if somewhat disillusioned) reporter. Meanwhile, Robert Redford's idealistic college professor lectures a potentially brilliant, but lazy student on the dangers of not harnessing his natural leadership skills, by using two of his former students (the two now lost in Afghanistan) as an example of standing for something they truly believed in. Designed purely to poke the waning fires of debate, Lions For Lambs is a powerful film that asks questions not only of the American government, but also its citizens and (most notably) its media. The point here is a simple but staggeringly profound one - if you don't stand for something, then you fall for everything. Great line for the poster it may be, but it also sums up Matthew Michael Carnahan's deep, thoughtful script, which - while possibly a smidge wordy for some - still unfolds in a subtle and innovative fashion that suits Redford's almost laid-back directing style. Performance-wise, Cruise holds up surprisingly well, as he plays Senator Jasper Irving with a hint of a narcissistic undertone (something of an anti-Jerry Maguire character) that gives the movie star his best role since just that flick. It may not be the Oscar contender some had predicted, and it may not set the box office alight, but it is an effective catalyst for diplomacy through art, and will surely spark communicative efforts, even amongst the least political viewer. Smart and engaging, with a reflective power, Lions For Lambs is not perfect filmmaking by any means, as it falters slightly around the middle - but it still begs for mass viewings from an information-starved public.

Details: US / 88 mins (12A).