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Thirteen Days 2000 |
Review by Jonathan Cornwell |
Directed by Roger Donaldson
PG-13, 145 min. (brief strong language) |
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Starring: Kevin Costner, Bruce Greenwood, Steven Culp, Dylan Baker, Michael Fairman, Henry Strozier, Frank Wood, Kevin Conway, Tim Kelleher, Bill Smitrovich
Producers: A. Bernstein, Peter O. Almond, Kevin Costner
Screenplay: David Self
Cinematography: Andrzej Bartkowiak
Distributor: New Line Cinema
Released: 12.25.00 (Limited), 1.12.01 (Wide) |
Rating:
 (out of ) |
The Cuban missile crisis of 1962 was one of the defining moments of the 20th century. Had things
gone a little differently, most of us probably wouldn't be here. You knew it was only a matter of
time until someone made a motion picture about this tension-filled era.
Kevin Costner, who badly needed a good part, gets one as President Kennedy's top advisor. He plays
a convincing role, one as moderator of an ongoing feud with the Pentagon's top brass. Kennedy's
unwillingness to heighten actions and lead to all out war make the generals nervous. Bruce Greenwood
plays the president, and shows many of the traits that President Kennedy may have had. He is also
convincing and shows the underlying torn emotions he has under these circumstances.
We all know what eventually happens at the end, but how we close we really came to war is startling.
It seemed a done deal unless a final meeting between the U.S. and Russian ambassadors proved otherwise.
Of course it turns out okay, but getting to that point is fascinating. The movie moves at a good pace,
although a little long, and keeps the tension at a high level. Costner and Greenwood interact
seamlessly, which make their struggles even more believable.
This is a good movie. It shows us the road map, but doesn't tell exactly how we're going to get to
the destination. Along the way we are treated to good acting, an intelligent script, and most
importantly it keeps our attention the entire running time.
© 2001 Jonathan Cornwell
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 |
 | Masterpiece - Film perfection |
 | Excellent - A Must See |
| Good - Highly Recommended |
| Fair - Worth seeing |
| Average - Viewable, but not recommended |
| Below average - View at own risk |
| Poor - Avoid at all costs |
| Very poor - An embarassment to the film industry |
| Zero | Awful - One of the worst films ever made |
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