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The Contender (R, 2000)

common sense media says

Thoughtful, enjoyable film for older teens.

parents & educators say
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What parents need to know

Parents need to know that this movie has frank discussions about the allegations against Laine, flashbacks to the fraternity party, and a clothed but explicit sex scene. People use strong language.

Violence: Characters in peril, accidental death.
Sex: Sexual references and situations, including multiple partners and adultery.
Language: Strong language.
Consumerism: Not applicable.
Drinking, drugs, & smoking: Drinking and smoking.
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What to talk about

Talk to your kids
Families can talk about how much it is fair to expect politicians to reveal to us and how much it is fair to expect from them. They may also want to talk about the challenge presented to Laine back in college and how she responded and whether she is right in saying that a double standard was applied. Families should talk about Laine's comment that principles are most important when things get tough.

What's the story?

What's the story?
When the Vice President dies, the President (Jeff Bridges) must appoint a new one, someone who will underscore his legacy and secure swift confirmation from the Senate. He bypasses the popular Governor Hathaway (William Peterson) in favor of a Senator from Ohio named Laine Hansen (Joan Allen). Laine, a Democrat, has a lot of support, even from her former-governor father, a Republican. But she has some powerful enemies, including the conservative Congressman Shelly Runyon (Gary Oldman), a Hathaway supporter, who has managed to make himself chairman of the confirmation committee. And when allegations that Laine had sexual relations with several boys at a college fraternity party surface, he leaks them to a website and asks her to respond. Laine refuses, saying that she will not discuss her private life and that there is a double standard because no man would have been asked to respond to such a question.

Is it any good?

Is it any good?
 
THE CONTENDER isn't authentic. It isn't even credible. It falls just short of preposterous. Now that we have that out of the way, let me say that it is thought-provoking and thoroughly enjoyable. It is a lot of fun to watch the Washington wheels turn and the spinners spin. Writer-director Rod Lurie has been around Washington enough to get the characters and the vocabulary right. Echoes of the Clarence Thomas and Clinton impeachment hearings give the story some sizzle. Director and stars give the story their best shot, and it moves along briskly.

Allen and Bridges give Oscar-quality performances, and supporting players like Sam Elliott, Christian Slater and newcomer Kathryn Morris add depth and sparkle. Oldman, who also co-produced, is almost unrecognizable under a Pappy-Yokum-style hairpiece. He manages the right mix of menace and fervor. If the final turns are a bit Capra-esque, it is still hard to fault the movie for wanting Laine to end up happily, because by then we do, too.

Movie themes & details

Movie Details
Studio: DreamWorks
Director: Rod Lurie
Cast: Christian Slater, Gary Oldman, Jeff Bridges, Joan Allen, Sam Elliott
Genre: Drama
Run time: 126 minutes
Theatrical release: October 13, 2000
DVD release: March 6, 2001
MPAA Rating: R
MPAA explanation: strong sexual content and language
This review was written by Nell Minow
 
 

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Most useful reviews by all members

LB2010
parent of 7 year old
16
 
Should be required viewing for every high schooler
Fascinating political drama and a peek into the workings of the White House and Congress. The best part is the message this sends about the damage done by a whisper and smear campaign. These days so many kids seek revenge on their peers by starting rumors that they know to be unfounded, maybe without even realizing the enormous damage it can inflict on a person's life. This movie shows these actions for what they truly are. It also portrays political leaders in a positive (if somewhat glorified) light. I especially love the portrayal of a strong female leader who stays true to her principles, despite overwhelming pressure to yield to political expedience. Great movie for older teens, though some will be more fascinated with the couple of scenes of group sex that flash onscreen very briefly.
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