The Contender (2000)

The critic finds the film hugely entertaining and praises its suspenseful political melodrama. They single out how character-driven performances make the political machinations feel human.

Levy finds the film a clear improvement over Rod Lurie’s debut, though its verbose, schematic storytelling limits its political ambitions. He singles out Joan Allen’s commanding performance and the talented ensemble as the film’s chief strengths.

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The review finds the film entertaining and well-crafted overall, but says it falters badly in its final moments. It praises the performances, especially those of Jeff Bridges, Joan Allen and Gary Oldman.

Parkinson finds the film an assured, streetwise look at Washington power-brokering and increasingly base journalism. He praises Joan Allen’s Oscar-nominated performance and notes that Lurie wisely restrains Gary Oldman’s scene-stealing.

The review calls the film flawed but enjoyable, despite a final stretch that undermines its drama. It praises the performances of Joan Allen, Jeff Bridges, and Gary Oldman, while faulting the plot and overbearing score.

The review finds the film entertaining and plausible at first, but ultimately dramatically unconvincing and politically misleading. It praises Gary Oldman's performance as a seemingly honest, sincere reactionary.

The critic finds the film an intelligent, surprising political drama that avoids easy stereotypes and simplistic politics. Joan Allen’s performance is singled out for its natural authority, with Gary Oldman also praised for his transformation.