The Company You Keep

He was one of the biggest movie stars. But now Robert Redford is taking a more low key approach to his movies.
The Vietnam War is one of those events that polarized many people. Many believe it should not have happened. Much like the recent Iraq War there were many protests against it. But in the 1970's they seemed to have taken more drastic measures to get their message across. There is a fascinating idea here about what happens to these protestors when they grow older. Specifically ones who were not caught and sent to prison. This is a low key thriller about what happens to these protestors. There are many old fashioned elements like the sub plot involving a reporter trying to track down Jim Grant the former activist. It is the type of detective work that we do not get to see in movies these days. But it is one of the film's, not so much bad points, but more interesting. Jim is not only being pursued by a reporter but the FBI as well. But somehow the reporter, Ben, does a better job of finding Jim than the FBI. Perhaps because the reporter uses more shifty methods than the FBI. I do think the film could have benefited from a bit more thrills. We do not feels all that tense during the film. Jim seems to elude capture quite easily on many occasions. But perhaps that is not the angle Robert was going for. It is still quite a good film and very entertaining.
One of the biggest elements the film does have going for it is the tremendous cast Robert has assembled. I got the feeling that this film was a quasi sequel to 'Sneakers'. Roberts character is much the same as the one he played in that film. There is no doubt he has a great deal of charisma. But it is still weird to see a 77 year-old man with an 8 year-old daughter. I've not been all that impressed with Shia LaBeouf but his normally arrogant attitude suits this character quite well. I was also quite impressed by Julie Christie. She has a small but significant role and manages to make the best of it. The other roles are filled with many familiar faces that do a very good job in their small roles.
A great premise that will good could have done with a bit more thrills to make it impressive. Still worth seeing for the cast alone.