Thursday, September 1, 2011

MOVIE REVIEW - The Debt

I really like the idea for some movies of the Wednesday release date. It was a great move for The Help a few weeks ago getting adults to that movie. And for this weeks grown up thriller, The Debt, it could be the right mix.

The Debt is the story of three very young intelligence operatives in in 1965, who were deep in cover in Communist East Germany. The mission was to capture an ex-Nazi doctor, who during World War II was conducting horrific experiments on Jewish prisoners and bring him back to Israel for a long awaited trail. When the mission doesn't go as planned, the young spies must think of a story to convince the world that their mission was actually a success.

Now in 1997, the truth could somehow come back to haunt them, and they could be exposed as frauds. So, 30 years removed from their ordeal, they must figure out a way to end this long string of lies once and for all, half a world away.

The Debt stars Helen Mirren, Tom Wilkinson, Jessica Chastain, Sam Worthington, and and a real nice supporting cast that really give this thriller a nice look. This is told in flashback form, taking us deep behind the Iron Curtain in East Germany, and in modern day Israel. Double casted with our hero's from two different era's in very well done. Very skillfully woven plot lines too that connect the past and the present, really make The Debt riveting, and give it overall a good pace.

There is a hint of unbelievability to some of this, but because the story is relevant and so are the actors it can be given a mild pass. Nothing here is so over the top that it can't be excused. What is done well here is far greater than what is not. Characters that are well developed and defined, and story that won't win any awards, but is interesting and hold us for the 110 minutes. Plus this movie has an over all real nice "look" that is really transporting, especially to the flashback scenes.

The Debt. Being released on a Wednesday is good business for this movie. It still may get lost in all the animation, cartoons, and summer leftovers, but this is a movie that you will catch up with sooner or later. Hopefully sooner. Not great, but worth it.

1 comment:

Current Movie Reviews said...

I love to see comedic actors do a serious role. Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind and Stranger Than Fiction are actually my favourites from those two actors. I admit I'm more of a comedic type, but the fact that they did them so well and so convincing I think made them my favourites.