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Movies / On DVD / The Contender
The Contender

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The Contender (2000)

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88 %
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Reviews Counted:162

Fresh:143

Rotten:19

Average Rating:7.1/10

Consensus: Critics say this political thriller is solidly made, with top-notch performances, screenplay, and direction for about two third of the film. Unfortunately, the ending almost tank the whole movie.

Rated: R [See Full Rating] strong sexual content and language

Runtime: 2 hrs 7 mins

Genre: Dramas

Theatrical Release:Oct 13, 2000 Wide

Box Office: $5,363,900

Synopsis: In THE CONTENDER, the sudden death of the vice president of the United States forces U.S. president Jackson Evans (Jeff Bridges) to pick a replacement. He decides against picking the popular... In THE CONTENDER, the sudden death of the vice president of the United States forces U.S. president Jackson Evans (Jeff Bridges) to pick a replacement. He decides against picking the popular governor of Virginia, Jack Hathaway (William Petersen), and instead makes the radical choice of Senator Laine Hanson (Joan Allen) to become the nation's first female veep. Governor Hathaway's political friends include Shelly Runyon (Gary Oldman), a powerful congressman who will oversee Hanson's confirmation. Runyon digs into Hanson's personal life and finds evidence that in college, Hanson participated in an alcohol-fueled orgy as part of a sorority initiation. When faced with this scandal, Hanson refuses to respond to the attacks, causing a political crisis leading to further shocking revelations. Former film critic Rod Lurie's second film (after the thriller DETERRENCE) is a tense potboiler with issues ripped from modern headlines, including the nature of political ideals and the national curiosity with leaders' sex lives. Joan Allen gives another in a long line of stunning performances as the tough, idealistic Laine Hanson, who stands up for what she believes in no matter what the cost. THE CONTENDER also features strong supporting performances from Bridges and Oldman, as well as a realistic look at the high-pressure game of insider politics. [More]

Starring: Joan Allen, Jeff Bridges, Gary Oldman, Christian Slater

Starring: Joan Allen, Jeff Bridges, Gary Oldman, Christian Slater, William L. Petersen, Philip Baker Hall, Saul Rubinek, Sam Elliott

Director: Rod Lurie

Director: Rod Lurie
Screenwriter: Rod Lurie
Producer: Mark Frydman, Douglas Urbanski, Willi Baer, James Spies
Studio: DreamWorks Distribution LLC

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Release:

Feb 27, 2001

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Reviews

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Ryan H.12/18/09
80%
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Fresh
A staunch political thriller that keeps you entertained and engaged throughout. The film begins... More
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Nick C.11/20/09
90%
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Daniel B.11/18/09
80%
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Brad Crowl11/18/09
100%
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JUNO BEACH11/13/09
80%
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Metallus J.11/1/09
50%
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brendan n.10/30/09
90%
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great political thriller that keeps you glued until the very end. great cast give justice to a... More
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Robert C.10/20/09
60%
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Kelly T.9/29/09
80%
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Nathaniel S.9/20/09
80%
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Thomas L.8/24/09
90%
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kim M.8/15/09
90%
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wjb138/12/09
70%
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*Mild Spoiler alert*As I was getting ready to leave for soccer practice this evening, the skies... More
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Fancy Pants7/31/09
80%
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This is a great Political drama. Keeps you guessing until the end and gives you a look at some... More
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Max L.7/26/09
80%
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Chooeubhaechaeus7/20/09
80%
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E.F. Shut-In7/15/09
80%
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James M.7/10/09
60%
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David T.6/30/09
80%
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There are two ways you could look at this film.Democrat perception: A solid thriller clearly... More
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fewstingscorpio5/11/09
80%
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