Breach

I've been backsliding. Though I am almost 95% watching Discovery and History channels, and I can actually go a week without needing to see '24', I still possess a taste for corrupting entertainment. I can honestly say that Aqua Teen Hunger Force is still entertaining to me. Weird, I know.

Last night however, I squeamishly endured the latest spy scandal flick which reminded me how morally persnickety I am, under the covers, somewhere. There was one scene in which the protagonist needs to steal a Palm Pilot from his boss who was the target of his investigation. I just cowered at that. If there is something I find extremely reprehensible it is the betrayal of confidence. I think I'm very consistent on that matter considering my recent taking of the Depravity survey.

I'll give the whole enterprise three and a half stars. The performances were adequate. The plot was good, but there really wasn't quite enough verbiage in the film. There was never enough appreciation given for how Robert Hanssen ticked. He wasn't as deceptively brilliant asthe characters in Spy Game. There wasn't much international or historical context given as with the outstanding 'The Good Shepherd', but there was an adequate amount of drama given the weight of the subject matter. This was a movie built for actors and I just don't think Ryan Phillipe has it yet. Chis Cooper did a good job as the creepy and conflicted Hanssen, but his Catholic angst doesn't begin to approach Harvey Keitel's Bad Lieutenant.

Overall thus, the movie isn't quite as satisfying as a twisty cloak and dagger, but it does provide enough tension and drama to be worthwhile.