Rendition Review

I chose Thanksgiving Day to go see Rendition.   Perhaps not the best way to follow up a happy meal, but I certainly left the theater thankful for several things, and pondering others.  

Rendition tells a cautionary tale of post-9/11 suspicion and ramifications of political actions and decisions.   The movie follows a young pregnant wife, played by Reese Witherspoon, whose husband doesn't make his flight home.   We follow Witherspoon as she tries to untangle the wheres and whys of her husband's disappearance.

With all the presidential candidates debating American torture techniques and how to handle possible terrorists, you've likely heard of water-boarding.  Rendition addresses the subject, and you may not fall so easily on the side you think you will after seeing this film.

Witherspoon's character is not pushy enough in a desperate situation - a minor script flaw, in my opinion - but she and the supporting characters do a good job, particularly Meryl Streep as an icy politico.  (Anyone notice how Streep has been really nailing creepy roles in the past year?)

Rendition is not an easy film to watch (much like "In the Valley of Elah") but it packs a one-two punch:   you squirm, you think.    You leave the theater discussing what you saw and debating the opposing points of view presented in the film.   I am impressed that we have several movies of substance in the theaters right now.    

Fall is historically the time that great dramas are released.   Rendition and Lions for Lambs both take difficult subject matter and present both sides of a polically-oriented story without coming off as preachy.   In the Valley of Elah takes a stand but presents it in a very complex and highly personal way.  I recommend all three films.   Get your feet wet with Rendition, and I'll look forward to reading your comments!