Morgan Freeman and John Cusack together would make for a fine movie right? Well, that statement would be only partly right. There’s a reason why movies, like sports, are a team effort. Just because you have two fantastic actors, doesn’t mean your movie is going to be amazing. The movie needs help from actors on the periphery. If you have two convincing actors, and everyone else is flat and boring, then the film really doesn’t have much of a chance.
The Show
The plot of The Contract is a direct take from 3:10 to Yuma. An “average joe” of a man and his son are faced with an impossible situation. A dangerous killer needs to be taken into custody, and they are the only ones to do it.
Ray Keene (Cusack) and his son, who is going through a teenage phase of not trusting anything his father says, try and find some time to bond. Ray decides that a hike and some camping will do them good.
Frank Cardin (Freeman) has just been arrested. He’s a killer for hire. While being transported Frank’s crew creates a trap on a local freeway. One thing leads to another and the car Frank is in rolls off the edge of the highway, and plummets down towards the river below.
When Frank comes to shore he’s face to face with Ray and his son. The cop transporting Frank is about to die, but tells Ray he must take Frank into custody and get him to the proper authorities.
Trying to gain some respect from his son, Ray takes on the challenge. Soon they are tramping through the forests of the Pacific Northwest trying to avoid Frank’s crew. Frank describes his gang as a ruthless, professional bunch. When in reality they seem more like bumbling fools than anything.
The FBI is brought in. This is where it gets extremely confusing. The FBI does absolutely nothing except sit at base camp, under a tent, ordering the local sheriff to get them coffee. They speak in cryptic messages to each other about how dangerous Frank is, but don’t actually do anything else.
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Article comments
1 - Debra
I liked the movie. I enjoyed the connection and growth between the main characters, which I thought were well acted. Expecting nothing less from Cusack and Freeman, I got my fill . As a screenwriter, I enjoyed the subtle comedy thrown in. The other characters were of non-consequence, being both dull and flat. Some minor interference or even interaction from the FBI would have upped the action,increasing the tension but the FBI did nothing. Tommy Lee Jones would be motified. Breathtaking cinematography by Dante Spinotti makes you feel part of the hiking experience. Definately worth a view.