The Good Shepherd Review

On the surface, one would expect that this movie is an action-packed thriller.  Well, it is and it isn't.  The Good Shepherd doesn't rely on the Hollywood conventions of interminable car chases, multiple explosions, and machine-gun killings.  The action here is completely cerebral.  The movie creates dramatic tension by playing intricate mind games - between the characters and with the viewers.  For much of the movie, I found myself as paranoid as Damon's character, wondering who was lying and who was telling the truth.

I did have a couple of issues with some scenes that I didn't find believable.  After beating the viewer over the head with the theme of the movie ("you can't trust anyone") I felt that on a couple of occasions the theme was conveniently overlooked by the screenwriter.  These lapses are infrequent, however, and didn't detract from the many good points.

The ending of the movie (which, of course, I won't give away) was disappointing to me at first.  I wasn't sure what to make of it.  However, this was one of those movies that kept me thinking long after it was over.  The more I thought about it, the more I began to understand the ending and appreciate the intelligence of the story.  I do enjoy movies that make me think.

Overall, The Good Shepherd is not a good-versus-evil action-hero movie.  Rather, it is a movie that requires you to be patient, thoughtful, and analytical. 

And a little bit paranoid.