Writer: Cormac McCarthy (Screenplay)
Starring: Michael Fassbender, Penelope Cruz, Cameron Diaz, Javier Bardem, Bruno Ganz, Rosie Perez, Ruben Blades, Brad Pitt, Goran Visnjic, Edgar Ramirez, Dean Norris, Sam Spruell
Plot: A lawyer finds himself in over his head when he gets involved in drug trafficking.
There may be spoilers the rest of the review
Verdict: Wow this was Boring
Story: The Counsellor starts with one of the most awkward scenes I have seen in film as the Counsellor (Fassbender) is in bed with Laura (Cruz) talking uncomfortable dirty. The Counsellor is working on a one of drug deal with Reiner (Bardem) and Westray (Pitt) as he learns all the tricks of the trade to make this deal happen.
The Counsellor finds himself in the middle of a much bigger picture which involved a drug lord, law authority agencies with undercover agent which will put his life and his fiancée’s wife in danger.
The Counsellor is a crime thriller that is so empty of actual story you are left wondering what you just watched. We never learn any of the character’s motive to be involved in the deal or what they are actually doing. I really can’t explain just how boring this film really was to watch with nothing happening at all.
Actor Review
Michael Fassbender: Counsellor is a lawyer who is trying to get involved in a drug, he finds himself having a connection with each side of the dealing and when the drugs go missing he finds himself the prime suspect. Michael is solid and really struggles to make an impact in this film.
Penelope Cruz: Laura is the love interest of the Counsellor she isn’t involved with the drug deal but finds herself being seduced into a darker side by Malkina and in danger thanks to the drugs going missing. Penelope is ok with the few scenes she has in the film but you will almost forget what happened to her.
Cameron Diaz: Malkina is the girlfriend of Reiner, she comes off seductive in every way be it controlling her drug lord boyfriend or teaching Laura the bad ways. Cameron does well but doesn’t do enough to make is either like or dislike her.
Javier Bardem: Reiner is the drug lord that the Counsellor wants to go and make a deal happen with, he uses his experience to show him just what he can do if he gets screwed over. Javier is good in this role where he gets to be his eccentric self.
Support Cast: The Counsellor has a supporting cast that doesn’t do enough to make us know what their character is doing.
Director Review: Ridley Scott – Ridley is a director we would expect greatness from but what is this?
Crime: The Counsellor has a crime story I just didn’t really know what it was.
Thriller: The Counsellor doesn’t pull us in to this story at all.
Settings: The Counsellor tries to use pretty settings but nothing that makes us know what is going on.
Special Effects: The Counsellor has solid effects with the kills only.
Suggestion: The Counsellor is one to stay well away from. (Avoid)
Best Part: Don’t make me laugh.
Worst Part: Everything.
Believability: No
Chances of Tears: No
Chances of Sequel: No
Post Credits Scene: No
Oscar Chances: No
Box Office: $17 Million
Budget: $25 Million
Runtime: 2 Hours 18 Minutes
Tagline: Sin Is A Choice
Overall: Dreadfully boring film that goes nowhere.
Rating