The Contender (2000)

Contender, The (2000, USA/FRA) C-126m. **½ D: Rod Lurie. Starring Gary Oldman, Joan Allen, Jeff Bridges, Christian Slater, Sam Elliott, William L. Petersen, Saul Rubinek, Philip Baker Hall, Mariel Hemingway. The U.S. President (Bridges) must appoint a new vice-president, and when he chooses a woman (Allen), his opponents are quickly searching for weak spots - and discover that she was leading a sexually liberal life at college. Oldman, as chief investigator, pulls all stops in trying to make her appear unsuitable for the job. Powerhouse cast, swift pace make film watchable, but it is not as compelling as it would like to be, and tacked-on Hollywood ending leaves a bitter aftertaste. Written by the director.


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