Director: Ridley Scott
Writer: Cormac McCarthy
Cast: Michael Fassbender, Penelope Cruz, Cameron Diaz, Brad Pitt
A prominent attorney (Fassbender) finds himself on the wrong side of the law when he engages in a drug trafficking scheme. After doing a favor for the cartel, the massive deal is ruined and the counselor’s entire world spins out of control. Though filled with some gruesome deaths, a gorgeous cast and a sex scene with a Ferrari you simply must see to believe, this film is not a typical action film. The trailers will have you expecting an intense fast-paced thriller with action and heroics but that is not the case. Fassbender is a beautiful example of manliness and has been in action films X-Men First Class and Prometheus. It is natural to expect him to assume the role of a fearless hero. With a name like “The Counselor” I expected him to come into his own as a major killer taking down the cartel or at very least dying in a massive blaze of glory. Unfortunately he spends half the movie confused and the other half crying over his situation. I don’t mean complaining, I mean salty tears, runny nose pass the Kleenex crying. Brad Pitt is only in about 10 minutes of the movie and although his demise is one of the most intriguing of the film his listing as one of the top cast members is truly misleading.
The one breakout character in this entire farce is the beautifully scary Malkina played by Cameron Diaz. She is maniacal and deliciously evil; a perfect contrast to Fassbender’s cowardly anti-hero. All in all the film has some great dialogue, a few surprising scenes and a clear message about the nature of fast deals and trafficking. Though the violence is minimal it is graphic, and the language no where near appropriate for the under 13 set. The random sexual bits in the film also may be inappropriate for minors under 17. Oddly enough young viewers would likely tune out after a while since there is far more dialogue than action. If you are expecting a film with the usual hero saving the love interest, then rides off into the sunset, or the less popular villain with a heart of gold is ruined by greed then killed on their own terms, please just watch your Scarface DVD. If you love movies about gorgeous well dressed people doing some bad things and making interesting statements, this is the one to see. To enjoy this film is to see it with no expectation and to simply allow yourself to be immersed in the story. This is an interesting film, but its kind of like popcorn without butter or salt. It will kill some time getting through it but in the end it really isn’t all that satisfying.