Lions for Lambs

Is anyone intrigued by the new Redford movie "Lions for Lambs"? It will star Redford, Cruise & Streep in a movie that relates but not directly addresses the current situations of the day regarding the political decisions to invade Iraq. I must admit just seeing the movie PR with the cast heavy weights on board immediately got my interest. http://www.lionsforlambsmovie.com/ Early Review of New Tom Cruise/Robert Redford Film -- With Female Reporter in Key Role By Ray Bennett, The Hollywood Reporter Published: October 23, 2007 5:30 PM ET LONDON The title of Robert Redford's "Lions for Lambs" comes from a comment made by a German officer in World War I about the bravery of British soldiers compared to the criminal stupidity of their commanders. The film, which had its world premiere Monday at the London Film Festival, makes clear that Redford feels the same way about the current political leadership of the U.S. and the men and women fighting and dying in the name of their country. In sober and unemotional fashion, Redford and writer Matthew Michael Carnahan set out the arguments for and against America's military incursions in Iraq and Afghanistan, leaving it for the audience to ponder a response. They leave no doubt, however, where they stand. Boxoffice response to films dealing with the U.S. government's strategies in the Middle East so far suggests that the public is not eager to grapple with the topic onscreen. Redford's film will appeal to those who feel that today's military sacrifices are being made on false premises, but its responsible tone could draw a more widely appreciative audience. Clocking in at 90 minutes, the film has three settings, two of which involve discussions on the merits of commitment to activism and politics far removed from the field of battle. The third shows two Special Forces volunteers trapped on a snowy mountain in Afghanistan and surrounded by the enemy. Redford plays Dr. Stephen Malley, a lecturer at an unnamed California university who is attempting to convince a bright but undisciplined student named Todd (Andrew Garfield) that he should apply his talents to help solving the problems of the day. Meryl Streep is Janine Roth, a veteran television reporter whose skills include taking shorthand and the ability to land an exclusive interview with hotshot Sen. Jasper Irving (Tom Cruise). Irving has his eye on the White House, and what he has to reveal is a new strategy that involves sending small Special Forces teams deep into mountainous territory to prevent Sunni and Shia insurgents from uniting. In fact, that strategy already has been launched. When a Chinook helicopter attempts a landing in a dangerous area, it comes under fire and two soldiers are pitched out into harm's way. Arian Finch (Derek Luke) and Ernest Rodriguez (Michael Pena), both from deprived communities but believers in the American dream, are exactly the kind of youngsters that Malley lionizes. The film cuts back and forth between the three scenarios as the senator tries to convince the reporter that his way is right, the professor does the same with the student and the two grunts try to stay alive. The debate between the politician and the journalist comes off best as both actors get under the skin of their characters, with Cruise snapping out details with charming efficiency and Streep showing the reporter's increasing skepticism with typical subtlety. Pena and Luke are fine in a classroom sequence that reveals their selfless idealism, and they do what's required in combat scenes made uglier by also being viewed via satellite. Redford wears his heart on his sleeve in the scenes between the professor and the effortlessly smart kid. Garfield is also fine, but the encounter suffers from being polemical and as a result lacks drama. Politicians, the media, educators, military commanders and a docile public all come under fire in a well-made movie that offers no answers but raises many important questions.

it's odd, while my political leanings are similar to Redford's, i feel manipulated by movies that have such a heavy political agenda. i'm not sure why as i certainly believe a lot of literary classics are based on politics, i.e. Gulliver's Travels, so i don't know why i get bent out of shape about this stuff. Maybe i feel that i don't trust some of these actors political savy (especially Clooney, Penn and Dreifus) and feel that they agree with me by accident heh. Either that or i feel that they pay too much attention to the politics and that keeps them from being as entertaining as possible. However, I will reserve judgement on this one till i see it.

I like you will hold my judgement until after the movie is viewed. However it is gratifying and satisfying to see a production that seems to have at it's core a vehicle for making people think. It will be interesting to see how this one does at the box office. I have seen Redford interviewed many times and he does what a lot of other celebrities cannot. That is the ability to address a personal belief or political view without being defensive and being offensive to others. This is one that I will pay to see. Ron

where were you when Reds came out? lol. I seem to remember a lot of offended people.

As I remember it, Reds was directed by Warren Beatty with him and Diane Keaton in the leading roles and Jack Nicholson in a supporting role. Furthermore I firmly remember seeing the movie when I was still a student at OSU and it being the catalyst for many a conversation both in and out of the classroom. I jus****ched Reds the other day and it is still a good view.

damn i'm getting old, memory is starting to go. I must have been thinking of A River Runs Through It. Man that pissed off a lot of people.

I think tom cruise is a nutjob. tbis will be rental for me...but I do like meryl streep. she's fantastic.

As my father always used to say, "It isn't far from the penthouse to the outhouse". Cruise definitely has shot himself in the foot with many women with his comments re: Brooke Shields situation and his folly on Oprah Winfrey. I have heard a lot of expressed negative opinions regarding Brad Pitt as well. It seems as though Paramount shares your view of Cruise as well, they fired him! I like most of Streep's work. Redford stars in two of my all time favorite classic movies, "Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid" and "The Sting". Not to even mention his support of independent movie makers with his ongoing Sundance Festival.

Well then I agree. Nuff said! You are wise beyond your years young lady. I saw the previews tonight and was thinkin the same thing. If it has Tom Cruise I don'****ch it. He's a putz!

okay...remind me, next time i see you "kick your butt"...lol....although tom is full of controversy he has been always dreamy to me in looks and always will be....i own almost every single movie of his.....due to his dreaminess and some acting not necessarily his views, etc...... so THERE.... and yes, hubby squid knows about my obsession...in fact one of my dogs is named after him