The Good Shepherd

Directed by: Robert De Niro
Starring: Matt Damon, Angelina Jolie, Alec Baldwin, Billy Crudup, Robert De Niro, Michael Gambon, William Hurt
Running Time: 2h 47min

A fascinating journey into the inner recesses of your mind, as you slowly feel yourself drifting to sleep. The Good Shepherd is like counting sheep, only with really good actors. Robert De Niro calls in the favours and gets a compelling cast together to act out the most boring film about one of the most spine tingling moments of the modern era. Who'd have thought the CIA could be this dull?

After about half an hour, you'll be longing for Damon to get into Jason Bourne spy mode, but alas, it never happens. Too bad, as CIA agents must lead a tedious and boring life, if this is supposed to be an accurate portrayal. Despite the set ups and dialogue heavy moments, nothing pays off, as you wish you had an interpreter for most of the film.

What's really sad is that the actors remain compelling enough for the viewer to trust them to take us somewhere. Anywhere. I was kind of wishing for some crazy Kubrick Eyes Wide Shut inspired orgy during the initiation. At least Jolie delivers on her requisite love scene. Yet even that is turned into paint drying ecstasy of the worst kind.

Save yourself some time, a LOT of time, and rent ANY OTHER movie with these actors in it. May i suggest Glengarry Glen Ross or Dark City. Hell, even Tomb Raider would be a step up from this yawn.

Grade: ZZZ