JOSH MONIZ STAFF WRITER
Vantage Point
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“Vantage Point” is a political thriller directed by Peter Travis, a newcomer to films, with a star-packed cast including Dennis Quaid, Forrest Whitaker, Mathew Fox and William Hurt.
The film is set at the start of an anti-terror summit where the President (William Hurt) is apparently shot. As he is rushed to the ambulance, a bomb explodes.
The film goes over the events repeatedly from the angles of various characters revealed in the plot.
Each time the film goes back to the start, it does a fast rewind effect of all the new plot points, which is helpful for keeping the latest developments fresh. The editing is fast and efficient, keeping your attention all the way through.
The film is not without problems. Forrest Whitaker’s impressive acting ability is wasted on a minor character.
The quirky premise of the film is dropped in the second half, replaced with the traditional action formula and a car chase. Dennis Quaid’s character is impervious to everything and just “Hulk-smashes” his way through the car chase. Also, some of the smaller plot points don’t sync up with the different perspectives.
Despite its problems, “Vantage Point” is still an accomplished thriller that will not fail to entertain. The film can hold its own alongside the “Bourne” series. A definite rental. I give it a 3.5 out of 5 stars.