There were a couple of reasons that I wanted to see this film; the first reason being that I really like the cast. The second reason is because there is a gas company that is trying to lease my land and I thought that this film would provide some insight into the how the process actually works; which it did. The story is basically about a major gas company that preys on small towns to get them to lease their land so that they can drill for natural gas. Steve Butler (Matt Damon) is the consultant sent in to try and convince the town's people to sign a lease. Steve is a dedicated employee of Global Gas and is working his way up in the organization. He really believes that what he is doing is the right thing based on some issues that he had as a child on his father's farm. Sue Thomason (Frances McDormand) is his partner who adds some light-hearted humor to the situation and shares a common goal with Steve; although for different reasons. Dustin Noble (John Krasinski) is the environmentalist sent in to convince the town that drilling is the wrong thing to do because of all the damage it could do to the water supply of the town. Frank Yates (Hal Holbrook) is the outspoken high school teacher and former MIT graduate who is the first to speak up against the drilling. The sub-story of the romantic relationship that develops between Steve and Alice (Rosemarie Dewitt) was really unnecessary and pretty much pointless. I have to say that gas companies are going to hate this film. It does not shine a positive light on natural gas drilling; but as the film communicates, there are always two sides to every story. I think that Matt and John did a really great job with the screenplay. I just don't think that the film was "big" screen worthy. I think that a broad audience would be watching this film if it were aired on television instead. I think that the topic discussed in the film is a timely one since this seems to be going on across the country. It was a well acted and written film so if you are looking for something to do and are in this situation, then I recommend that you check it out; otherwise wait for it to hit the small screen. I give this film an amber light.
Review of Promised Land
