Customer Ratings & Reviews

Kudos to Jeremy Renner for producing and starring in this riveting adaptatoin of Nick Schou's _Kill_the_Messenger_ and Gary Webb's _Dark_Alliance_. It's a story about a hero's quest to tell a truth to the people, too truthful to be told, and the professonal and personal tolls that were taken as a result. This film is an entertainment, not a documentary, but it hews close enough to the essential truths about Webb, the man, and his reportage on the links between the CIA, Nicaraguan "contras" and the importation of drugs and weapons into the US from Latin America. That said, don't watch any film and pretend to learn history. Study history, for its own sake, and then allow that knowledge to inform your enjoyment of said film. That's where I'm coming from with my high praise for this film, based on a true story. We all know, today, with 20-20 hindsight and subsequent, eventual corroborations that what Webb wrote about money for drugs to fund the contras, with CIA cover, if not complicity, was true. It was an ugly and inconvenient truth that put the San Jose Mercury News on the map as a newspaper of national and international standing. A truth that was then viciously spun by government and warped by rival corporate media into a weapon that ultimately destroyed Webb's career as a journalist and, finally, his life. For me, the film passes the smell test to claim to be based on a true story. One thing that I remember from then is how the SJ Mercury News luridly over-hyped Webb's story on its pages and then later threw Webb under the bus, caving into the official-sources-fueled professional retaliation by the LA Times, Washington Post and NY Times, who were all, embarassingly, scooped by Webb. Webb, in fact, was following in the footsteps of an earlier "messenger," Robert Perry, who was eventually forced out of the Associated Press for attampting to cover the same story. The film sports a who's-who of co-stars and is tastefully directed by Michael Cuesta. The extras on disc are worthwhile. Not enough people got to see this film during its theatrical run. I sure didn't, but now I have remedied that.

Kill the Messenger is a true story about the War on Drugs declared by numerous US Presidents during the 1990's. It is a story about a reporter named Gary Webb from the San Jose Mercury News who writes a story that the US Government, the CIA was heavenly involved in a drug-smuggling scandal. If you like movies with a twist, this one has several up to the end. Jeremy Remmer stars as Gary Webb and is great throughout the movie. A must have for your collection.

I was semi-familiar with the story of Gary Webb and the story he broke but this really showed what he went through in the process of writing the story as well as what happened afterward. If you are not familiar, he revealed the CIA's connection with trafficking Cocaine into the USA and funding south American fighters with the money. Solid movie.

Not for those unconcerned with history. This one examines the life of a journalist caught up in the CIA's alleged 1980s narco trafficking ties. A David and Goliath story if there ever was one, but it will make you think and question things you may never thought to question.

If you think the government is covering up something your probably right. This movie deals with some of the biggest cover ups in Americas history. At least a known cover up and the movie is loosely based on facts too.

This is a well done film of the backstory behind the flood of drugs that became the crack cocaine epdemic in the '80's. It sheds some real light on the CIA activites which allowed large quantities of drugs to cross the border to ultimately help fund the Contras.

Finally, a good movie. For those who like true stories this movie is a must see. It is moving, exciting, thrilling and keeps you at the edge of the seat. The movie gives a true picture of a journalists life, the pressure and the consequences of reporting.

Movie focuses on a journalist whose career was brought down by the U.S. government after he reported a true story about the government's involvement in selling drugs to fund the Iran-Contra scandal. Infuriating and keeps you interested.

Wonderful movie on what really happen in the 80's on the Regan's adminstration part with the Contra's on the dropping of the cocaine into innner city communities.

This is based on the true story of journalist Gary Webb, which takes place in the mid-1990s. Filled with great casts, including Jeremy Renner and Ray Liotta, this is a must watch! Very under-rated film!

If you enjoy movies that involve a political theme, and the politics that go along with it, you will like this one. A little slow on action, but deep enough to keep your attention.

This was a movie that should have been in the theaters many people would have enjoyed it Jeremy Renner is a great actor purchase this you will not be disappointed

I like how exposure of all the wrongs that our government has committed can show how it's not a perfect system.

Really great movie...loads of thrilling censers and it leads you down a path about the government that you feel is in our presence at present times

I love movies with certain actors that will give great action, so far the history was nice and easy to follow and the action great

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Movie had a great theme of small paper taking on the establishment. It reminds us that true journalism still exists.

The true story of journalist Gary Webb is compelling. Jeremy Renner who plays Webb does a superb job and leads a good cast.

Excellent dialog, plus outstanding acting, this has Oscar implications all around it, if not but for Best Picture.

Jeremy Renner is great at portraying Gary Webb! I highly recommend this movie!!!