The Counselor

As we live on this planet, we all have known, at times, a certain amount of unsavory people. But where can one find people that are sleazy, greedy, immoral, manipulative and selfish as those seen in the film, "The Counselor"? I'm sure they exist, but I don't think I would have any use for them in my life.

This thriller stars Michael Fassbender as a counselor or lawyer who dabbles in trafficking drugs only to realize just how dangerous a situation he's gotten himself and his girlfriend, Laura (Penelope Cruz) unwittingly into. As this counselor consults with those that he needs for the trafficking to take place, i.e. Westray (Brad Pitt), Reiner (Javier Bardem), and Malkina (Cameron Diaz), he only realizes more how he is even more confused and naive than he was before consulting with them. This all snowballs when things coincidental start occurring which cause the powers that be to be even more mistrusting, suspicious and subsequently violent.

Others to round out the cast are Toby Kebbell as Tony, Rosie Perez as Ruth, Ruben Blades as Jefe, Natalie Dormer as Blonde, Goran Visnjic as Banker, Emma Rigby as Tony's Girlfriend, Bruno Ganz as Diamond Dealer, John Leguizamo as Drug Distributor, Richard Cabral as Young Biker, and Alex Hafner as Highway Patrolman.

This was solidly directed by the comparable Ridley Scott ("The Duelists" '77, "Alien" '79, "Blade Runner" '82, "Legend" '85, "Someone to Watch Over Me" '87, "Black Rain" '89, "Thelma & Louise" '91, "1492: Conquest of Paradise" '92, "White Squall" '96, "G.I. Jane" '97, "Gladiator" 2000, "Hannibal" '01, "Black Hawk Down" '01, "Matchstick Men" '03, "Kingdom of Heaven" '05, "A Good Year" '06, "American Gangster" '07, "Body of Lies" '08, "Robin Hood" '10, "Prometheus" '12). This guy brings out the nuances and subtleties of these characters as they culminate in a collision course to beat none. This was written by novelist Cormac McCarthy ("All the Pretty Horses" 2000, "No Country for Old Men" '07, "The Road" '09, "The Sunset Limited" (TV movie--play) '11, "Child of God" '13). This was McCarthy first time as a screenwriter and it actually shows in this. The script goes from scene to scene, which is OK, but in many places, they don't tie together as cohesively as they needed to do in order to ensure the storyline connecting better. Goes to show one that a novelist can't necessarily be a screenwriter and visa versa. Not to mention that these veterans actors basically could have performed these roles in their sleep, and it was incredibly difficult to feel sorry for any of the characters in this story.

Even though Scott's direction was spot on in this film, it was just not enough to save this story. If you plan to venture to your multiplex to view this one, plan on this not being at all positive or uplifting from beginning to end.

Out of 4 Stars: 2                             Rated: R                             117mins.