This Week's PCR Movie Review

	"Body of Lies" Movie review by: Michael A. Smith Movies are rated 0 to 4 stars

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Warner Brothers     
Starring: Leonardo DiCaprio, Russell Crowe and Mark Strong
Directed by: Ridley Scott
Rated: R
Running Time: 1 hour 57 mins

Manchester, England. While a small terrorist cell goes about it’s business a squad of commandos attempts to enter their building. Sensing the danger, one of the terrorists detonates explosives, killing himself and his partners. On the other side of the world, in the Middle East, CIA operative Roger Farris (DiCaprio) and his local associate are about to meet with some shady individuals. Concerned about being captured and having their almost certain beheading shown on the Internet, each vows to shoot the other should they be heading into a trap. Such is the life of a “political advisor.”

Based on David Ignatius’ best selling book, “Body of Lies” tells the inside story of our country’s war on terrorism and the many battles that must occur to gain success. Director Ridley Scott has assembled an outstanding cast, led by DiCaprio. Always talented, in the past few years DiCaprio has aged enough to put a rough edge on his still youthful features. He is matched, scene for scene, by Crowe, working for Scott for the third time. As Ed Hoffman, Farris’ USA based superior, he uses every trick in the book to reach his goals, even if it means putting Farris into jeopardy. High marks also to Strong, the almost overly polite leader of the Jordanian security forces. His soft spoken demeanor attempts to mask the furiousness of his convictions.

Other recent films (“The Kingdom,” “The Valley of Elah”) have attempted to tell stories concerning our involvement in Iraq with mixed results. “Body of Lies” is no different. When Farris’ attempt to draw a high ranking terrorist out goes awry he is a personal witness to the atrocities of war. “Welcome to Guantanamo” a character is told before undergoing torture. Scott films these scenes with his usual skills, bringing the audience into the action. If there is anything wrong with the film, it’s the story. Locations jump without any rhyme or reason and there doesn’t seem to be any continuity. A tacked on sub-plot with the soon to be divorced Farris trying to romance an Iranian nurse only takes away from the suspense. It’s truly a credit to the cast and director that I continued to care about what was taking place on screen.

On a scale of zero to four stars I give “Body of Lies”