The Good Shepherd

Starring: Matt Damon, Angelina Jolie, Robert DeNiro, Alec Baldwin, Michael Gambon, Billy Crudup, William Hurt, Timothy Hutton, John Turturro, Joe Pesci, Gabriel Macht
Directed by: Robert DeNiro
Rating: R
Genre: Drama, Thriller
2006

Times Seen:
Tim: 1

Summary: Edward Wilson (Matt Damon) is a Yale graduate who goes on to help found the CIA. However, over the years, the job takes its toll on him.

Review:

Tim: I liked this movie for a few reasons. First, it is directed by Robert DeNiro. I really liked his last directorial effort, A Bronx Tale, and I think he's a good director. Secondly, the movie features a fairly amazing cast. And finally, it tells an interesting story about the start of the CIA. This is a realistic espionage movie. This is a drama, not an action movie. For all these reasons, I thought this was a good movie. Now, on the other hand, this movie is way too long. At 167 minutes, this movie is nearly two hours too long. That takes its toll on the audience. DeNiro needed to cut some of this out. Secondly, although this is a drama, it needed a bit more excitement. There were long boring stretches (perhaps scenes that could have been cut?) that detract from the overall movie.

The cast is great. Matt Damon continues giving great performance after great performance, and he is enjoyable to watch here. I liked that Robert DeNiro included himself in his movie, and his scenes were all strong. I thougth Angelina Jolie was woefully miscast. It felt like she's here because she's Angelina Jolie, not because she was right for the role. I would have liked to see a different actress here. Alex Baldwin was very fun to see and I genuinely liked his performance. I also was glad to see William Hurt and Joe Pesci in smaller roles. The cast is really the film's greatest quality, and the major reason to watch this film.

It is pretty interesting to watch a fact-based account of the foundation of the CIA. So often, espionage and spy movies are all focused on the action and the glamorous moments- this film shows the other side, the less glamorous one, and the toll it takes in the personal lives of those spies.

The Good Shepherd does a lot right, but would have been better if it was a bit shorter. The movie ventures into the territory where it stops being fun and becomes a chore. That is never good for a movie. While not perfect, DeNiro is a great director, and I think you will like this movie as much as I did.

Rating 1-10
Tim's Rating- 7.5


If You Enjoyed This Movie, We Recommend: The Bourne Identity, Mr. and Mr. Smith, Casino, The Good German