Movie: Vantage Point

This Review Reveals Minor Details About the Plot.

World Summit

Plot Overview

President Henry Ashton (William Hurt) is attending a political summit in Salamanca, Spain to advance an inter­national treaty. As he's about to address a crowded square shots ring out. We see it first from the control booth of GNN, then rerun from various perspectives of those in attendance. Secret Service agent Thomas Barnes (Dennis Quaid) is put to the test not meant to be in the thick of things after just getting back from his medical leave. Under­cover Policia Local officer Enrique (Eduardo Noriega) is a little too well disguised—he looks like a hippie—so he gets tackled by the Secret Service when he runs to the podium to protect the Mayor. He'd been dividing his attention to keep an eye on his way­ward girl­friend Veronica (Ayelet Zurer.) Slovenly attired African American Howard Lewis (Forest Whitaker) there to get away from his troubles at home—a “bad patch” with his missus—has been amusing him­self with views of the crowds and surrounding buildings through his Sony camcorder that the Secret Service conveniently appropriates. Both Enrique and Lewis shout warnings to the agents that they'd seen another bomb thrown under the podium, but they don't take them seriously until it's too late.

When we're shown the perspective of the Secret Service, we're impressed by their professionalism. Our confidence is short lived when next we see that the terrorists are gaming them. Says one, “The beauty of American arrogance is that they can't imagine a world where they're not a step ahead.” The terrorists are about to pull off a major coup until they run afoul of what author John Sandford referred to as

“The random factor,” Grandpa continued, his eyes drifting as he thought about it. “The woman. There's almost always a random factor. Some­body once said that few plans survive contact with he enemy.” (43)

Ideology

A couple minor dramas get major play. Special Forces trained Javier (Edgar Ramirez) was co-opted by the terrorists to take out a detail of Secret Services operators. They have his brother hostage and Javier is fearing for him. A cordial Spaniish mother Marie (Dolores Heredia) becomes separated from her little girl Anna (Alicia Jaziz Zapien) in the crowd and they both want desperately to be reunited. Guess the movie out­come. (Prov. 10:24) “The fear of the wicked, it shall come upon him: but the desire of the righteous shall be granted.”

(Prov. 10:25) “As the whirlwind passeth, so is the wicked no more: but the righteous is an ever­lasting foundation.” There's a lot of rousing action, but eventually the dust will settle and America will look strong as ever.

(Prov. 10:26) “As vinegar to the teeth, and as smoke to the eyes, so is the sluggard to them that send him.” GNN kahuna Rex Brooks (Sigourney Weaver) shows major irritation trying to get her camera­men and announcer on the ball. “Camera Two, are you gonna move or what?” she asks. “We're here for the summit, not the side­show! I swear it's like training a freakin' dog!”

Production Values

“” (2008) was directed by Pete Travis. It was adapted from a screenplay written by Barry L. Levy. It stars Dennis Quaid, Forest Whitaker, and Matthew Fox. Quaid gave a sterling performance as a secret service agent back on the job after a nervous break­down. The rest of the cast held up well, too, the big names not necessarily in the major roles. The non-American actors (Edgar Ramirez, Said Taghmaoui and Dolorez Heredia) were most authentic.

MPAA rated it PG–13 for sequences of intense violence and action, some disturbing images and brief strong language. The studio couldn't acquire permission to film it in the Plaza Mayor where it was set, so aside from some aerial shots they filmed it in Puebla, Puebla, Mexico. The car chase through Mexico City was tops. It for the most part avoided CGI to the better­ment of the picture.

Review Conclusion w/a Christian's Recommendation

This was an intense action flick where perceived loyalties seemed to shift with perspective, which was deliberate. It was strong on action, not so much so on character development. People were easy to peg, or not. It is what it is. See it if you must.

Movie Ratings

Action factor: Edge of your seat action-packed. Suitability for Children: Suitable for children 13+ years with guidance. Special effects: Average special effects. Video Occasion: Fit For a Friday Evening. Suspense: Keeps you on the edge of your seat. Overall movie rating: Four stars out of five.

Works Cited

Scripture is quoted from the King James Version. Pub. 1611, rev. 1769. Software.

Sandford, John. Hidden Prey. Copyright © 2004 by John Sandford. New York: G.P. Putnam's Sons, 2004. Print.