Fair Game
Starring Naomi Watts, Sean Penn, and Sam Shepard
Directed by Doug Liman (The Bourne Identity)
Rated PG-13 for some language
Appropriate for ages 13+
Based on an unfortunate true story that unfolded in 2003, CIA agent Valerie Plame (Watts) was illegally outed by members of the Bush administration, and when her husband, Joseph Wilson (Penn), attempted to stand up to the injustice, the challenges they faced put a strain on their careers, their family, and their relationship.
From the premise, this film sounds like movie-of-the-week material rather than a feature film starring two of the best actors in Hollywood. But with a wonderful screenplay, terrific directing, and amazing performances by everyone involved, the movie was able to elevate itself to become a very good political thriller.
What some might consider a very low point of the Bush administration, the events that inspired this film are brought to life in a way that actually makes you feel like it is you against the world, and there is no way of winning. Penn pulls off the strong-willed defensive husband beautifully and Watts is nearly perfect as the confused woman whose commitment to her work becomes increasingly dangerous for those around her.
Director Doug Liman does an admiral job presenting this material in an exciting, fast-paced way that enhances the story-telling, allowing the audience to grow more and more angry at the enemies, who in real life were eventually prosecuted and even sentenced to prison. His style almost makes the film feel like a state-side version of Green Zone.
While there is a strong political agenda to this film that many at Fox News will have a problem with, the script lends a credible historical accuracy to the events of the day and very much serves as a reminder of why not to blindly follow our national leaders when we should be keeping them in check as much as possible. A-