Sometimes after I watch something on DVD for the first time, I stop and wonder why this movie did not rule the box office. In the case of "The Company Men", it's because it was only released to limited markets in the U.S. And then, I have to ask "why"? This is a smart, well-conceived, well-made, film with a fantastic cast and a topic completely relevant to our world today.
This is not the movie for the big action fan. Its not a spoiler to tell you - there just isn't any here. What you do have is thorough look at how the collapse of our markets, corporate downsizing, and the greed at the top ripples throughout society from the CEO all the way down to the average guy.
The cast is top-notch and all deliver powerful, absorbing performances. Ben Affleck leads the ensemble made up of Tommy Lee Jones, Chris Cooper, Craig T. Nelson, and a surprisingly good Kevin Costner. The script by John Wells weaves in and out of the characters lives with a great sense of balance and timing.
Of all the films out there dealing with the events of the corporate world and the stock market in the past few years, this movie should definitely be listed up near the top of the list - right next to and perhaps ahead of "Wall Street: Money Never Sleeps". Great cast, great performances, great story, and all around great execution - this is a definite must see film.
4 out of 4 Stars
John M. Dunlap
The Hollywood Outsiders
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