Here is a tale of three scenarios: Senator Jasper Irving (Tom Cruise) is aiming for the Oval Office and promises a scoop to TV journalist (Meryl Streep), that he hopes will land him in the media spotlight. Meanwhile, an altruistic college professor (Robert Redford) tries to provoke a detached student (Andrew Garfield) into becoming more politically motivated. The story lines are linked by the struggles of Arian (Derek Luke) and Ernest (Michael Pena), two head-strong students who decide to join the battle in Afghanistan. With Cruise’s studio backing this film, and director Redford’s maverick status intact, a politically concise film has emerged. –forrest green III


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