The Good Shepard (2006)

Plot:  A Yalie CIA agent played by Matt Damion recruited by the OSS, during World War II. We follow his family life and career at the CIA during the 40s and 50s.

Pros: Good history lesson, supporting actors, good set design, costumes,, camera work,, intelligent story 

Cons: Matt Damion, lack of intrigue and suspense, too long, too slow, boring lead character.

I really wanted to like this movie but its inert and dull. The long 160 minutes was made even longer by the slow, deliberate pacing and lack of intrigue.. Its probably the dullest spy story ever. An amazing amount of padding, with endless shots of people walking, staring out into space, or making small talk. Most conversations are deliberate, somber and, full of pauses. There are a few excellent scenes but they get lost in the ponderous, mediocre sludge. As for the acting, Damion dominates the movie but was emotionless and disinterested – just like me. To be fair, the script gives him little to work with. Note to Hollywood – WASP does not equal boring. However, many of supporting cast are excellent, especially Pesci, Baldwin, Gambon, John Turturro. Jolie is wasted in a standard neglected wife role.

Summary: A missed opportunity – given the story and talent it should have been much better.. Rating **