13 - The Contender (January 13)

A political thriller based on the American government around the year 2000 post Clinton political/ sexual scandal and pre-911 terrorism. The vice-president has died and the President is left the task to appoint a new Vice President. The Democrat president was played brilliantly by Jeff Bridges. His possible appointee and favored Senator Laine Hanson played by this Academy award nominated performance by Joan Allen. Then the appointee get to be confirmed under the congress lead by a Republican leader played by Gary Oldman.

So the nominee in questions got a blow from the committee, throwing her under the fire to confirm allegations from her past. Her whole political career and principles gets into the close public eye. The movie is a political debate on agenda, moral and history while interlacing on the mechanics of US politics and values. Its interesting to see how people try to put down other for power and how people with dignity fight it over.

This film was nominated for Allen's lead performance and Bridge's supporting role. Bridges charismatically played the part of this idealistic president showing a good confidence and rapport with Allen's character. Its also a good reminder how Jeff Bridges looked astonishingly attractive when well done, way better if you put him against Christian Slater.