How does the Tomatometer work 
Reviews Counted:46
Fresh:17
Rotten:29
Average Rating:5/10
Consensus: An ambitious but preachy drama that fails to convincingly parcel its thriller and romance elements.
Runtime: 1 hr 46 mins
Genre: Dramas
Synopsis: Shooting a fictional movie based on a real war while that war still rages is a risky proposition. But director Philip Haas (THE MUSIC OF CHANCE) has taken the plunge with THE SITUATION, a film set... [More]
Starring: Damian Lewis, Connie Nielsen, John Slattery, Peter Eyre
Director: Philip Haas
Having served my duty by pointing out the main failures of the film, it's equally obligatory to say that by film's end you have a better understanding of the opposing interests that are deconstructing Iraq than media coverage conveys.
Bringing the chaos down to very human terms redefines the paradigm for thinking about the occupation, and makes this a film that is more than a mere exercise in action/adventure
The gravitas that director Philip Haas and writer Wendell Steavenson would like to bring to bear in this smallish war thriller is simply not an achievable goal.
Set in wartime Iraq, The Situation is exploitation cinema of the most narcoleptic kind.
Top CriticI don't think this movie sheds any new light on 'the situation', but it could have, and it's a shame that it didn't.
The Situation is, to put it kindly, a spotty piece of work.
While not easy to watch, and at times even harder to follow, Haas' film is an important attempt to accurately capture the confusing reality of contemporary Iraq.
Even as it makes a mucky melodrama out of the war in Iraq, this effect does not seem entirely inappropriate, as it accommodates a U.S. perspective of its own actions.
There are a half dozen people in colorful supporting roles all of whom have their own truths. And all of whom are far more interesting, as characters and actors, than [Connie Nielsen].
[Haas'] attempt to convey the tangled relations between sheikhs and insurgents, occupiers and civilians is undercut by Wendell Steavenson's mightily overwritten screenplay.
Philip Haas's deftly paced, well-written, and brilliantly infuriating Iraq War thriller is not only the strongest of recent geopolitical hotspot flicks but one that has been designed for maximal agitation.
Had traces of human feeling, but [it's] mostly didactic.
His heart is in the right place, and our current situation cries out for a film like this %u2026 like this, but much better made.
Awkward and half-digested.
Using handheld cameras throughout, 'The Situation' draws the eye down into the human pieces that will one day make up history-book summaries.
Though timely and relevant, Haas' war film, centering on American journalist (Connie Nielsen) investigating the death of a community figure, is a series of misfires (particularly the script) and blown opportunities
The essential message in this strongly felt film comes clear: 'It's Iraq.' It used to be bad, but now it's worse. And anyone in his right mind, including Iraqis, wants to get out.
The message is quite clear: We should withdraw our troops and let the Iraqis kill each other off.
The concept is strong and expertly fleshed out; it's just a pity that Hollywood tropes are allowed to invade.
A powerful story about a frustrated American journalist risking her life to develop sources among Iraqi citizens who themselves are risking their lives to talk to her.
Subscribe to RT's YouTube channel and don't miss a second of our cracking video content.
Follow Rotten Tomatoes and join us as we tweet about the week's releases.
IGN.com |
GameSpy |
Comrade |
Arena |
FilePlanet |
GameSpy Technology
TeamXbox |
Planets |
Vaults |
VE3D |
CheatsCodesGuides |
GameStats |
GamerMetrics
AskMen.com |
Rotten Tomatoes |
Direct2Drive |
Green Pixels
IGN RSS Feeds
Comment
