The Good Shepard

I always know a good movie by its ability to make me to talk about it afterwards; trying to figure out every little plot twist, foreshadowing, and line of dialogue that occurred. If you want to see the antithesis of The Good Shepard, go see James Bond: Casino Royale. The Good Shepard follows Matt Damon through his life, basically telling the tale of a Skull and Bones Society Yalee who becomes the backbone of WWII - 1960's C.I.A. I really enjoyed the first third and the last third of the movie. The story is not funny, not action packed (yet it is suspenseful), and probably not what you are expecting. And, Angelina Jolie plays a much more minor role than the previews depict. This is what I see as to a more "real life" depiction of CIA work: dissecting one photograph and one reel of sound into every last pixel and granule; not seducing blondes in bikinis while fighting bad guys with a third nipple. In sum, Matt Damon learns that he really can't trust anyone (not at all shocking considering he works with foreign counter intelligence agents---hello). If you are looking for a glamorous, sexy, romanticized spy movie, stick with Bond. If you are looking for something with more grit, depth, and more realistic, by all means, go see The Good Shepard.