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for larger version       MovieScope
"Point's" problem is that we are forced to submit to repeated rewinds and restarts of the same episode with bits of new information added with each instant replay. It's "Groundhog Day" gone berserk. After the fifth reset of the clock at the bottom of the screen, one audience member shrieked in frustration, "Oh no, not again!" Following the "Crash" formula, "Point" has familiar stars scattered throughout interlacing scenarios. William Hurt is U.S. President Ashton arriving at the Spanish City of Salamanca to engage in an historic international summit to end terrorism. Secret Agent Barnes is played by Dennis Quaid, psychologically shaky after having saved the Chief Executive from a prior assassination attempt. Sigourney Weaver's Rex Brooks is a no-nonsense TV producer, cuing cameras and struggling to maintain coherent coverage as bullets fly and bombs explode. American tourist Howard Lewis has Forest Whitaker instinctively pointing his camcorder at places which reveal crucial information. As Barnes' takecharge sidekick Taylor, Matthew Fox is in hot pursuit of the supposed assassin before the detonation dust settles. Eduardo Noriega gives a eye-catching performance as a bearded gunman, who may or may not be the Salamancan mayor's bodyguard.
"Vantage Point' makes a massive effort to be exciting and relevant in these post 9/11 times. It makes a scary case that Presidential assassination attempts could become commonplace. And there's no way to stop them. Are you listening, candidates?
If you can overcome the annoying déjà vu device in the gimmicky opening, the final thrill ride is worth the wait.
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