This will have to be a condensed review, since I'm trying to cram in as many posts as possible. Last week, I got to see the movie I was most excited about seeing this fall - The Informant!
This is based on a true story about Mark Whitacre, who begins working with the FBI, providing them with information about price fixing that is going on at his company, ADM; a giant in the food industry. As the investigation grows, we learn more about Whitacre himself and his involvement with everything at the company. If you're unaware of this story, you will be amazed at what you see. Whitacre is clearly a guy where there is more than meets the eye.
Playing this complex role is Matt Damon, who had the 'difficult' task of gaining 30 pounds in order to better resemble him. Damon does an amazing job here at portraying the various facets of this man. Most people will see this movie because they know he's in it and he's a star, but they'll stay for the performance he gives. I would not be surprised to see him get an Oscar nomination for it.
Surrounding Damon, though, is a wonderful ecclectic bunch of comedic actors, all in various small roles. Guys like Joel McHale, Tony Hale, Patton Oswalt, Scott Bakula, Tom Papa, and Tom Wilson (yes, Biff from Back to the Future) all show up at various times and add a little something extra to the movie. This is a very funny movie; however the humor that Damon and the rest of the cast provide is very wry and subtle. Don't be going into this expecting a lot of pratfalls and poop jokes.
If I had a complaint, it would be that it is a dense story with a lot of characters and you don't always follow along with what is happening. I am anxious to see this film again as I feel it will be even better the second time around now that I know the basic story. Being familiar with the characters, I'll have a better chance to appreciate all of the film's humor.
This film probably lacks the gravitas or visual artistry to make it a serious contender for Best Picture. That should not dissuade you from checking this out though. This is such an interesting story about corporate America, greed, and stupidity, all of which are quite pertinent in our current economic situation. With this interesting story, plus the dry humor and fantastic performances, there's bound to be something here for everyone to enjoy. Grade: B+
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