"THE GREEN ZONE' (4 STARS****)

 Matt Damon and Director Paul Greengrass ("The Bourne Identity" series) have teamed  up once again to bring you "The Green Zone" , a riveting thriller about the search for weapons of mass destruction. We know the outcome of this story but to see it played out on film really gives you something to think about. It's astonishing to know that so many soldiers and innocent victims lost their lives based on a war caused by the threat of weapons of mass destruction that never existed. The film inspired by the expose "Imperial  LIfe in the Emerald City" is set in the early days of the Iraqi War during the U. S. led occupation in 2003

Chief Warrant Officer Roy Miller (Damon) and his team of Army Inspectors are going from one site to the next searching for weapons of mass destruction. They find nothing but an elaborate cover up, which undermines each mission. Miller (Damon) questions the top brass about the faulty intelligence information but he's repeatedly told the information is solid. This prompts Miller (Damon) to go on a rogue mission, risking his life to find the truth.  This is a well scripted, action packed saga that keeps you on the edge of your seat wondering how the truth will be revealed.

Greg Kinnear  as Clark Poundstone  is sinister and creepy as a powerful Pentagon official who ignores the advice of his best CIA operatives because of hidden agendas and back door deals they've made that were top secret until Miller (Damon) started his rogue investigation.  What's unsettling about the way this movie plays out is the fact that everyone is willing to go along with the cover up.  It paints a disturbing picture of how false information can be used to start wars risking countless lives on both sides for no reason.                                       

It's not only exciting but thrilling seeing Miller (Damon) navigate his way through this confusing web of espionage and conspiracy. Discovering how he ultimately exposes the truth makes "The Green Zone" a film worth watching.


War Drama
Director: Paul Greengrass
(R)
Rating: 4 Stars