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Here's a look at the new movie I saw this week, "Promised Land," the best fracking movie I have ever seen...

Promised Land
Starring: Matt Damon, John Krasinski, Frances McDormand, Rosmarie DeWitt, and Hal Holbrook
Synopsis: In 1997, a then basically unknown Matt Damon and Ben Affleck wrote a script and teamed with director Gus Van Sant to deliver the film “Good Will Hunting.” The film — which starred Damon in the lead role — drew critical acclaim and helped solidify the careers of all three. Now 15 years later, Damon has again teamed with Van Sant — this time with a script he penned with John Krasinski — for another moving, thought-provoking film. This time the pair are also tackling the timely topic of fracking. “Promised Land” may explore a hot political and environmental topic, but the film handles its subject matter delicately. In the end, the film is more interested in the story of its characters than a heavy-handed political message. Van Sant is a talented filmmaker who is capable of delivering some fascinating personal stories. He does so here with a film that’s informative, rich and, at times, quite amusing. “Promised Land” works thanks to its rich characters and affable cast, while at the same time exploring a subject people might not know much about. And for those that like entertainment that enriches and challenges, “Promised Land” is a treat. It doesn’t take its subject lightly — nor does it offer a one-sided lecture on the issue. Rather it’s a patient, practiced drama that explores the complexity of an issue that’s far from black and white. A guiding principle for Steve is his belief he’s not a bad guy — and throughout the course of the film we see he isn’t. Steve believes in what he’s doing because he’s seen the down side of economic disparity and oppression. He’s seen families lose everything after generations of hard work, and he sees the offer made by his company as a way out. But it’s not without cost — something movie also doesn’t shy away from. Even those characters in the film who oppose the leasing — such as Frank — recognize the monetary benefits being offered. They recognize the threat to this way of life, they just aren’t willing to take the risks associated with this solution. That opens the film up to an interesting debate on the issue that provides background and plenty to consider. But, in the end, “Promised Land” is still a film that’s meant to connect and entertain with audiences. It does that through its story — which is fascinating and filled with a few twists — and its characters. Damon is great in the lead role, going through a range of emotions in bringing Steve and all his complexity to the screen. McDormand is great as his partner, as is DeWitt. But one of the real finds in the movie is Krasinski — who co-wrote the screenplay with Damon. Krasinski is best known as the loveable goofball Jim on “The Office,” but there is a lot more bite to his character here. He gets a more dramatic and more intriguing character in this film, and he plays the part well. He and Damon are a great team on the screen. “Promised Land” is a beautiful, well-written and engrossing drama. Released late in 2012 in limited release, it’s finally opening wide to audiences. Though it seems to have been lost in the awards season races, it’s a film well worth checking out.
Rating: R for language. Enter with caution.
Verdict: Four stars out of four.

Upcoming Releases:

Friday, January 11 — "Gangster Squad," "A Haunted House," "Zero Dark Thirty"

Friday, January 18 — "Last Stand," "Mama," "Broken City"

Friday, January 25 — "Hansel and Gretel Witch Hunters," "Movie 43," "Parker"