Common Point of View Review

Media: Movie
Genre: Action/War/Drama
Production Year: 2010
Rating: R
Presentation Availability: Standard
Presentation Reviewed: Standard
Official Site Link: Green Zone

Synopsis:
Chief Warrant Officer Roy Miller (Matt Damon) leads his Army squad in the hunt for weapons of mass destruction (WMD's) in the modern day Iraqi War. As each of Miller's targeted WMD areas turn up empty, he finds himself entangled in the lies of the U.S. Government. Fighting to find answers, Miller goes rogue in an attempt to uncover the truth.

Overall Average Score: 8.00
Green Zone is an overall entertaining film that will most likely touch close to home due to the ultra realistic subject material - the Iraq War. Matt Damon is great as usual.

Writing: 9
I was extremely compelled by this story and at many times found myself getting very angry with certain characters and their beliefs/motives. With a story vividly detailing the ongoing conflict in the middle east and the somewhat shady reasons for its beginning, lines will be drawn and sides will be taken. Without getting too political, I have to say that I was elated to find this movie tackle the moral dilemma most Americans have come to face - Were we lied to about weapons of mass destruction? Why are we in Iraq? Whether you agree with the war or not, Brian Helgeland has created a politically smart and compelling screenplay delving into current issues that plague us all.

Acting: 8
Matt Damon, following in the footsteps of his Jason Bourne character was great. I am a big Matt Damon fan and I am almost always pleased with his roles. He was extremely believable as Chief Warrant Officer Roy Miller. I don't see any Academy Awards in Damon's future for this role but you will not be disappointed. I was caught off guard by Yigal Naor's performance as Iraqi General, Al Rawi. Even though he is the "bad guy", you almost sympathize with his character and his motives. His humanity and nationalism is almost spotlighted, turning the table on certain U.S. officials who would want Al Rawi demonized.

Directing: 8
Another stellar vision brought to life by Paul Greengrass (The Bourne Supremacy, The Bourne Ultimatum). I love his ability to bring a unique stylization to combat scenes. He created a realistic view of modern day war and highlighted the many questions surrounding our (U.S.) reasons for being there. Great cinematography and authentic use of language barriers that are encountered on a daily basis during the current war waged in the middle east. I enjoyed Greengrass' use of Freddy, an Iraqi who tips Damon's character off to a meeting of high-ranking Iraqi officials and then becomes Damon's translator. Knowing someone close to me that has been on several tours to Iraq as an interrogator, I have come to understand the high importance of translators during our stay in Iraq and Afghanistan.

Photography/Special Effects: 8
Great effects highlighted in the gun fights. I really enjoyed the fly-thru cut scenes of the bomb riddled Iraqi cities. The destruction and devastation was eerily captured to render a true to life portrayal of modern day war in the middle east. Getting glimpses through soldiers night vision scopes also adds to great filming style.

Soundtrack/Sound Effects: 7
Explosions and gunfire illuminate the screen. The rumbling of helicopters and missiles rattle the bass. If you are not able to or intending to see this film in the movie theaters, you should at least try and see it somewhere with a good surround sound system. The sound effects really add the films intensity.

Choreography (fighting/dancing): 8
The gun fights and war related combat are highly realistic and intense. Very well done and during many scenes I felt as if I were actually watching live war footage. I particularly enjoyed a scene where Matt Damon's character is provoked into a physical altercation with a U.S. special forces member. I found the choreography of this fight scene to rely heavily on raw passion and the circumstantial chaos, not flawless martial arts sequences.
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