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MOVIES
As portrayed by Damon, Whitacre is truly a wing nut!
Joyce: What you have to understand is that this film is a very slow starter. You definitely have to stay with it to watch it build. I thought at first what in the world was supposed to be funny. It was this ordinary corporate scientist wanting to do the right thing--turning in the bad guys at the top of this giant global corporation ADM. He seemed like a courageous guy.
Rico: Whitacre is aware of an international price fixing scheme, in which his company plays a major part. He decides to bring it to the FBI, which in turn, assigns a Special Agent played by Scott Bakula to investigate.
Joyce: The special agent is amazed by the information he is receiving. Whitacre offers detail after detail and agrees to wear a wire to some key meetings which will surely bring the bad guys down. At the same time he assumes he will be considered the hero by his company and rewarded for his efforts.
Rico: The constant expressions of disbelief by all in the FBI and the attorneys are terrifically amusing. I don't think kids would get much of this film and shouldn't be there anyway, as the R rating would indicate. It's pretty sophisticated stuff and will surely be wildly enjoyed by adults.
Joyce: I noticed the young teen girl sitting next to me kept asking her mother what was going on. Not for kids. And this is a whole new Matt Damon, as he plays deadpan serious this strange outrageous character. Remember this is based on a true story. But as the plot progresses it gets funnier and funnier and you find your own mouth dropping open over and over again.
Rico: Melanie Lynskey, who has done a lot of TV and film work is perfect as the supportive "sitcom" type wife.
Joyce: Marvin Hamlish provides a very nice score for this outlandish but subtle comedy. Melanie Lynskey as the supporting wife and Scott Bakula and Joel McHale as the agents are really a riot.
Rico: I had to keep reminding myself this was based on a true case, that of the highest-ranking whistle blower in U.S. history.
it's so funny. I think it is certainly one of the best films I've seen this summer.
All things considered, I have to give it **** and a green light.
I'm sure you'll enjoy it.
Joyce: Folks, the movie season is picking up--better quality, seemingly made for adults. It will probably keep you talking about it. This is a winner.
***1/2
Film: The Informant!
Director: Steven Soderbergh
Cast Includes: Matt Damon, Joel McHale, Scott Bakula, Mike O'Malley, Andrew Daly, Adam Paul, Melanie Lynskey, Tom Wilson, Rick Overton, Tom Papa, Candy Clark
Genre: Drama, Comedy
Running Time: 1:48
Rated: R
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