Since seeing Edward James Olmos in 'Stand and Deliver' way back I was impressed, so looked forward to seeing him in a movie which he co-produced/directed, and performed. To add to the interest it was claimed to be based on an actual event - the contamination of farmland by an Oil giant. Played straight this would have had promise but it seems green activist politics got involved and dragged it down a somewhat over baked, foolish path. Yes, giant multinationals have been guilty of irresponsible short-cuts, often brought about through greed and they must be held to account ensuring more ecological responsibility. The writer added another downer by including a vicious gangster whose repugnant over-the-top actions are the equivalent of a hideously brutal Gestapo Mafioso type - this pushes the story way out of reasonable acceptability and degrades much of the initial interest being offered.

I'm not sure Kate Bosworth was fully convincing as she should have been playing the slimy Oil company representative and the company's headman was made to look like a caricature. If this was intended as black comedy it did not work whatsoever. As the downtrodden farmer, David Strathairn was good as always, as was Olmos as his co-worker - production values were overall OK but even though the moral situations were well-intended, the overly forced agenda-pushing script weakens any worthwhile message. Pity, as we need movies that bring important messages to the screen but in a more honest manner, this is no 'Dark Waters'.

Parental Note; Heavy vulgar dialogue, violence and grotty sexual situation. Foxtel Aust ran this American R certificate as an M, when will they get it right?

Olmos like Eastwood knows precisely how to cast himself to make the most of his star power. Ditto for the rest of the players. In terms of sheer competence, head and shoulders above most of Hollywood's recent offerings. And Bosworth proves again that she is more than capable of being the only female in a film and still holding attention.

Fred Stern (David Strathairn) is a farmer in central California located near oil wells. The Royal Shore Oil Company wants to buy his land to use it for run off. Fred discovers the oil company has been poisoning his land with run off for 10 years. The two sides go to war in what becomes a light court drama. Fred had Martin Sheen as a lawyer so you know who wins. He also tells us the name of the devil, "Net Present Value."

I enjoyed the film which took the time to create characters. Based on a true story. Seems to have taken many liberties with the facts.

Guide: F-word. No sex or nudity. Disclaimer: I like clean air and water