Nappaland's MovieBlog

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VANTAGE POINT (PG-13)

Plot Summary: Told from various points of view, the Secret Service searches for the person who shot the President of the United States.

Reason for the Rating: Sequences of intense violence and action, some disturbing images and brief strong language.

I love going into a move knowing very little about it. My expectations for comedy, romance, or action aren’t ruined by something I’ve heard. So, I went into the theater knowing next to nothing about Vantage Point. I knew it was the story a Presidential shooting, told from the view of eight different people (hence the title).  What I didn’t know was how the story would be told. And that is what makes this movie so unique. If you are looking for a different kind of action movie, this just might be the one you’re looking for.

The movie opens in Spain, where a historical anti-terror peace summit is taking place, led by the President of the United States, President Ashton (William Hurt). The event is being covered by the news, and we see the opening scene from the eyes of producer Rex Brooks (Sigourney Weaver). As the President takes the podium at a rally, shots ring out and the President is hit. Pandemonium breaks loose. A bomb goes off. A reporter is killed.

From here, we see the story unfold from the perspective of Secret Service agent Thomas Barnes (Dennis Quaid), tourist Howard Lewis (Forest Whitaker), Spanish police agent Enrique (Eduardo Noriego), the President, and the actual terrorists. Each persons experience gives us more information, and adds depth to the characters. In the beginning we briefly meet Howard, a tourist who is videotaping the rally. It’s not until the third time through the shooting that we understand he’s separated from his wife and missing his children. He’s a kind man who looks out for others in the worst of times, even willing to put his life on the line for someone he’s just met.

Vantage Point reminded me of Groundhog’s Day in the way it repeats itself. We see the same incident multiple times, just told by a different person. But, each story reveals more of the story and more detail. The first vantage point ends with the bomb. The second vantage point ends about five minutes after that when Agent Barnes sees something on a videotape. The third vantage point ends outside the square and gives information into the people behind the shooting. And so on. The audience is drawn in and given pieces to the puzzle as the story progresses.

The most frustrating part of the movie is actually what makes it so unique…continuously going back to the beginning and seeing it all over again. Just as the story is rising to a climax (a little girl standing in the street, screaming for her Mama and about to get hit by a car), the story stops and goes back to the beginning. But, it’s also what makes the movie so memorable and creative. And that’s what moviemakers are looking for…a great story you’ll remember.

MOVIEBLOG RECOMMENDS:

This really is a great action movie to see, just go in knowing that it’s not told in the typical continuous format we’re used to.

AFTER THE SHOW: 

• Why do you think the terrorists kidnapped the President?

• Agent Barnes and Howard were both willing to risk their lives for something or someone else. Is there a person or belief you are willing to die for? Explain.

JW

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