The Counselor [2 Discs] [Blu-ray] [2013]

It is very different than what people may be expecting. On the outside it looks like a thriller, and it does have the set up of a good thriller, but its more just a dark brooding and sometimes darkly humorous drama that has thriller like moments. I'm fairly certain if you liked No Country for Old Men the style won't be all that different to you, since it is written by Cormac McCarthy like the source material for that one was, except The Counselor was personally written by his hand alone. I've read reviews complaining its too predictable but I feel like that's the point, as it involves a relatively "good man" getting in bed with a drug cartel and everyone kind of tells him to be sure that he understands, that bad things could/will happen. I don't see this as a complaint, since real people get involved in this stuff knowing bad things can happen despite all the warnings heard ahead of time and some of the obvious foreshadows have great pay offs, and knowing what's to come and watching anyways has a sort of knowing dread about it. Anyways, I've read a couple reviews offering it high praise and a lot of them completely bashing it, I'm somewhere in the middle but leaning more toward the former positive critique. It is a slow moving film, with lots of dialogue, and every character seems to get a lengthy monologue.

My main problem with this film I can not tell here as it would spoil the conclusion. Let just say one actor/actress is considerably less qualified to play their roll. That being said, The Counselor is a very fun even if not particuarly realistic film surrounding the drug trade between Mexico and the US. Javier Bardem and Brad Pitt shine bright and the always impressive Michael Fassbender does a great job driving the film as its lead character. It is very violent as to be expected of any film with this subject matter, but I wouldn't say it's exploitive, just simply brutal. Several great international actors appear in small roles as well to lend the film greater creadibilty. Ridley Scott's direction is spot on, for the most part. One scene where a motorcycle rider meets a gruesome end is especially well done. Overall The Counselor is not great, but worth the time if you want to see a dark, twisted and quite scary look at the world of high stakes drug trafficing.

The Counselor doesn't divulge its secrets easily, and in fact this is one film that virtually requires (at least) a second viewing. Filled with some low key but very effective performances (including a perhaps surprisingly nasty turn by the usually sweet Diaz), and boasting some admittedly flowery but unforgettable dialogue by McCarthy, the film is exciting and disturbing in about equal measure. It's not a typical genre film by any stretch of the imagination, but in my book that's a major compliment. The presentation here is virtually flawless and the three and a half hour hybrid commentary-featurette supplement is outstanding. Highly recommended.

Opening Scene: An extended “romp” in an elegant bedroom overlooking El Paso, then during Credits a seated couple, having drinks are observing two Chita’s hunting jackrabbits on the high-plans desert of New Mexico. Make no mistake about it this is a view for Mature Adults ONLY and it is not for the faint of heart. This movie is superbly acted with an all-star cast, that is brilliantly directed and its cinematography is tastefully done which results in an entertaining view for the right adult audience – the EXTENDED View is recommended. Films Best Line: “You don’t know someone until you know what they want.”

I was enjoying the movie ALL the way until Penelope's last moment. I really hoped Michael was going to find and rescue her. But instead, they (not Michael) murdered her and "dumped" her like she was nothing. I have to admit that I am not happy/satisfied with her last scene. She was so beautiful/sweet/gorgeous throughout, and I mean every single scene of her, except very last. Directly speaking, I am P*** off at what happen to her. This movie makes me hate Cameron but makes me adores Penelope, both in a 180 way. I will watch this movie again but will not finish, will stop when (well I already explained). This is just my opinion.

Got to say that I had heard a lot of negative feedback concerning this movie. I thought with the talent involved Id give it a shot. Wasn't as bad as I expected going in, though it certainly goes for gold so to speak. Its clear that this is a film that is trying to be more high profile in a award season way than it has any right too. That being said the movie certainly drags in spots and is overt wordy, but about halfway through business picks up. I in particular like Brad Pitt's arc through his screen time as he seeming steals every scene he's in.

While the cast and director would suggest one of the best films of the past decade, this definitely isn't it. Don't get me wrong, I do like this movie quite a bit. Michael Fassbender acts his heart out here and that makes it worth watching alone. Add to that a fantastic (and oddly comical) Javier Bardem coupled with a handful of impressive set pieces and I am in. Cameron Diaz is really the only low point for me here, but I feel for most people you have be familiar with Cormac McCarthy's writing as well.

On paper, The Counselor seems like the thriller to end all thrillers but it practice it leaves audiences wanting. It's fragmented start slowly comes together to tell the tale of a man who has simply bit off more than he can chew and he pays the price for it. It's the kind of movie that doesn't explicitly spell out everything that's happening so mouth breathers should not bother watching at all. For everyone else, this is a film that will leave you wanting. It's not bad but it certainly isn't No Country for Old Men.