See it from my point of view (Vantage Point (DVD))

Member Name: NikkiH

Product:	Vantage Point (DVD)
Date:	03/07/08 (143 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Entertaining

Disadvantages: None really

Before I start this review, I just want to make it clear that I will not be going into detail where the plot is concerned because that would almost certainly ruin the viewing experience for anyone who has yet to see this film. The element of surprise is important.

The film focuses on a visit by the American president to a terrorist summit in Salamanca, Spain (although the action was actually filmed in Mexico) after a number of high profile attacks in the country. Tension is high, and there are a high number of protesters amongst the crowds leading to the venue of the meeting. As normal, security around the president is extremely high and organised to the finest detail. However, we soon find out that all of this planning and effort is to no avail as a terrorist manages to assassinate the president during his welcome speech in a small village square. It is at this point where the film starts to take shape, and we see the events leading up to the assassination and the panic over additional bombs being set off which follows in the next hour, which is told from the vantage point of 8 different characters. Piece by piece, their viewpoints add new elements to the plot line, giving twists and turns to keep you interested until they all culminate with all of the characters being involved in the final scenes. It is set up in a similar way to the TV series "24", as the action is shown in real time. With each character, you find out a little bit more about the motivation and aim of various characters.

The cast was very strong, and there seemed to be familiar faces in every scene. Matthew Fox plays Kent Taylor, a US security agent in awe of old timer Thomas Barnes, played by Dennis Quaid, who previously saved President Ashton's (played by William Hurt) life. Barnes is fighting some fierce demons after that assassination attempt, and the summit is his return to frontline duty. Howard, played by Forrest Whittaker is a tourist, spending time away from his family working out how to right some wrongs. Personally, I hated his character, and thought he was extremely creepy just randomly speaking to strangers, who in real life would probably have run a million miles from him. He captures a lot of what happens on his camcorder. In addition, one of my personal favourite actresses, Sigourney Weaver, is a ruthless TV producer called Rex Brooks, who wants the best story at any cost because the whole world is focused on the events unfolding in front of her. You really don't get to know the characters very well, because in truth if you did, then a lot of the anticipation would be gone because you would be able to predict their actions, but it also means that you don't really form a opinion, or care whether they live or die.

The director Pete Travis kept the pace of his debut film quick enough to hold the viewers attention for 90 minutes without confusing them, but not so fast that vital information passed by unnoticed. Coupled with the varying camera angles, this made the story feel fresh and new with each re-enactment. I felt the script from Barry L Levy, was as developed as it needed to be to prevent it becoming too hard to follow, and I particularly liked the fact that the storyline was revealed in small chunks. Budget must have been generous on the film as there are some huge impact bombs, car chases, and action sequences in the town where the film is set. I am sure CGI played a big part, but then that is par for the course nowadays. Admittedly, there are times you have to accept that in reality the decisions and actions from some of the characters would not be the same, but personally that does not bother me, as I don't demand authenticity and reality with everything I watch.

It wasn't the critical success many had hoped it would be, and after seeing it, I am sure that it is the movie snobs who feel that the film is not intellectual enough which causes them to write so many negative reviews. Yes, it is gimmicky but so what? Sometimes with a whodunit film, short cuts need to be made. Personally, I hadn't heard much about the film before I went to see it, and I am glad that I hadn't because it would have spoiled the anticipation I felt as each scene unfolded. It is the perfect film after a long week at work to watch with a packet of popcorn and a glass (or three) of wine.

Summary: Whodunnit for the modern day