I have a confession. After spending 108 minutes with this movie I STILL don't know what it's about.
That's not entirely true. I understand the basic story line. Mark Whitacre (Matt Damon) works for mean ol' corporate agriculture giant Archer Daniels Midland (ADM) and decides to blow the whistle on the company's price fixing scheme.
The crime? Fixing the price of lysine - a chemical used in the manufacture of corn syrup products. Honestly Boomers, if that doesn't make you want to run right out and see this movie, nothing you'll read beyond this point will convince you.
OK, maybe the fact that Scott Bakula is also in this movie will send you to your Netflix Queue. No? You mean a movie with BOTH Matt Damon AND Scott Bakula doesn't get you all lathered up? What are you, a ROBOT?
The movie plot is as muddled as the casting. Whitacre (Damon) turns whistle blower and gets wired up for the FBI. The agent in charge of the sting operation (Bakula) doesn't know what to make of Whitacre. He's either the biggest bipolar mess he's ever seen, or the stoolie who could give his career the boost it needs.
This film directed by Steven Soderbergh (Erin Brockovich, Traffic) follows the twisted tale of this turncoat like the audience has intimate knowledge of agribusiness (show of hands?). Damon does his best to keep the interest level up. He adopts a goofy Midwestern persona while everyone else acts like they're auditioning for bit part in Fargo.
Will informant Mark Whitacre bring down evil ol' ADM? Can he keep his job after blowing his whistle? And what of his wife and family? What will happen to them?
All valid questions, but by the end of the movie the only question you'll really want answered is, How long can you run a premise on corn syrup?
For that, Mr. Soderbergh has an answer: Exactly 108 minutes.
Roll credits.
The Boomer Brief recommends Netflix for your movie rentals. The monthly rental packages start at only $4.99 - and you can cancel at any time.
Prepare your own Mexican quick fix with this Chipotle-inspired bowl. Carbs are moderated by filling the bowl with beans, extra veggies and chicken. No need for rice, since the beans count as carbs.
Tips:
If you love tomatoes, increase the quantity to 1/2 cup, but note that the carbohydrates will also increase.
If preparing this recipe for one person, cut all of the ingredients in half. Or simply prepare the full recipe up to the end of step 2 and store leftover chicken and vegetable-bean mixture in separate airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat in the microwave on High for 1 to 2 minutes, or until heated through, and continue with step 3.
Health Bite: The iron, calcium, magnesium, manganese, copper and zinc in black beans help to keep bones strong and healthy.
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