Promised Land

Movie Review for "Promised Land"

     I was very impressed with Gus van Sant's latest film "Promised Land", starring Matt Damon and John Krasinski.  It was a very entertaining and thoughtful film about the industry takeover of a small farming community. 
     My two favorite performances in this movie were by Matt Damon and Rosemarie DeWitt.  Damon plays a corporate salesperson who is trying to buy drilling rights from the local residents.  There are very few actors in Hollywood who can play their roles with as much honesty and charm as Damon does in this film.  DeWitt plays his potential love interest and a local high school teacher who is unsure of Damon's motives.  Her smile and warm-hearted  presence gives a special shine to the movie in every scene that she is in. 
     The film's major plot points are in the conflict that Damon's character, Steve Butler, has with gaining the trust of the town residents to start drilling in their land.  Butler begins his mission successfully by promising the residents much wealth and job creation in exchange for the drilling rights.  Then a local schoolteacher and an environmentalist threaten to expose Butler's company for its reckless practices.  Steve then persists at gaining the trust of the town residents despite the harsh accusations of Dustin Noble.  Butler also begins to question his own values and to understand why the local residents are so willing to pass up on an opportunity.
      "Promised Land" is a good film for people who are interested in uplifting stories about standing up for your own values and doing the right thing.

Grade: B