By: Holley Sinn

Verdict:  Approved!

Handheld films usually make me sick.  Granted, I am given to bouts of motion sickness, but for me, a giant screen filled with shaking images typically triggers the same physical response I get from roller coasters and boating on volatile seas.  However, the master of handheld, director Paul Greengrass, has perfected the art to the point that I generally cease to notice the movement...likely because I'm so engrossed in his stories.  Oh, and also, his go-to leading man is Matt Damon.  I can't feel queasy while I'm lost in his baby blues. 

"Green Zone" is the most recent collaboration between Matt Damon and director Paul Greengrass.  Damon plays Troy Miller, an Army officer charged with raiding Iraqi sites supposedly confirmed to house WMDs, weapons of mass destruction.  But, when each of his targets comes up empty, Miller begins to question the legitimacy of the intelligence behind each site.  His concerns are met with hostility except from CIA official Martin Brown, played by Brendan Gleeson, who harbors the same questions regarding whether there were ever any WMDs at all.  A Wall Street Journal reporter, played by Amy Ryan, is also beginning to suspect foul play on the part of the U.S. government. 

As Miller and his team are begrudgingly searching yet another designated site, an Iraqi civilan known as "Freddie" approaches them with information regarding a secret meeting of Iraqi military officals.  When Freddie's intel proves true, Miller and his men are immediately thrown into a power struggle between the White House and the CIA.

The third act is set in motion with real footage of former President George W. Bush declaring the war in Iraq over in his famed "Mission Accomplished" speech.  It turns out, both government entities are in pursuit of the same man...but for very different reasons, and Miller must simply fight to stay alive.

Whether or not audiences agree with the position the film takes on the WMD situation, the story is compelling, moves quickly and cohesively and is well-acted....facets which combine to create a thought-provoking and complete modern war film.  "Green Zone" is rated R for violence and language and opens today in theaters all over the bay area.