Syriana (or, a post with actual content)
I just saw Syriana with my friend, and while it wasn't on the same level as Kong or Narnia, it was still an entertaining and, above all, unique film. It's kind of like an episode of Seinfeld in that it follows four seemingly unrelated storylines whose interconnectedness (is that a word?) becomes increasingly evident as time goes on.
The most compelling story to me was that of the two young migrant workers from Pakistan who become enamored by a radical Islamic cleric. They worked for a major oil company that merged with a smaller company who got an important contract. The investigation of the merger by an anti-trust lawyer from the Department of Justice is the focus of a second storyline. Another storyline focuses on an American energy analyst (MATT DAMON!), and the last on a CIA operative responsible for ending illegal arms deals in the Middle East.
Yes, it's as confusing on-screen as it is in print, but the former is far more entertaining. If you enjoy political intrigue mixed with social commentary, you'll love Syriana.
Final rating: MATT DAMON/10
The most compelling story to me was that of the two young migrant workers from Pakistan who become enamored by a radical Islamic cleric. They worked for a major oil company that merged with a smaller company who got an important contract. The investigation of the merger by an anti-trust lawyer from the Department of Justice is the focus of a second storyline. Another storyline focuses on an American energy analyst (MATT DAMON!), and the last on a CIA operative responsible for ending illegal arms deals in the Middle East.
Yes, it's as confusing on-screen as it is in print, but the former is far more entertaining. If you enjoy political intrigue mixed with social commentary, you'll love Syriana.
Final rating: MATT DAMON/10