When the President of the United States is set to appear in Spain to formalize a new international alliance, everyone is on high alert. Shortly after his arrival at the landmark summit, President Ashton is shot twice in the chest. Suddenly chaos replaces rationale and the lives of eight unknowing individuals collide. Within the mess are Secret Service Agents Thomas Barnes and Kent Taylor, sworn to protect the President at all costs, as well as Howard Hughes, an American tourist who is videotaping the historical event. And you can't forget Rex, the news producer who is coaching her starlet reporter to ratings gold from within the confines of a marked van. With each seeing a separate piece of the puzzle it isn't until we watch the same fifteen minutes leading up to and immediately following the shooting that we are able to know the horrifying truth behind the attempted assignation on arguably the most influential and powerful man in the world.
Using a creative story, an all-star cast and a thrill ride of an ending Vantage Point more than delivers as it keeps you on the edge of your seat, second guessing your eyes and in absolute shock as the most obvious answers prove to be inadequate and the conspiracy becomes much deeper than either you nor I ever imagined.
The best aspect of Vantage Point is its creativity and story. Told from eight separate points of view the film becomes both unique and deep as every small gesture proves to be critical in the big realm of things. In addition the way that the story is pieced together is nothing short of amazing. From the inconclusive endings to each story to the final scene that brings all eight characters together, forcing you to collect your thoughts and see who all makes it out alive, this adventure is a fast paced adrenaline rush that will leave you wanting more.
With that said I have to give a lot of credit to the cast. Bringing together such big names as Dennis Quaid, William Hurt, Matthew Fox, Forrest Whitaker and Sigourney Weaver many would assume that a power struggle would occur on-screen; however, each held their own weight as they worked together to present a strong, well rounded film.
However, nothing can compare you for the roller coaster ride through hell that is the last half hour of the film. Seeing all of the clues begin to come together is great and entertaining but it is nothing compared to the adrenaline rush that encompasses your body during the film's home stretch. The action is top notch and the intensity that the actor's represent is incredible as the film ends on a high note, forcing you to leave the theatre with your heart pounding and mind racing, still reeling from what you have just seen on screen.
All in all the film is nothing short of a top-notch thriller that will give you reason to leave your house and head to the Megaplex. Featuring some of Hollywood's biggest names, one thing is for certain, you will not be disappointed with this film.
