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The Contract
2006 96 min United States of America, Germany R 18+
★4.9
Drama, Action, Thriller, Crime
Director: Bruce Beresford
Trailers
Description
Attempting to recover from a recent family trauma by escaping into the woods for a peaceful hiking trip, an ex-lawman and his young son stumble across a dangerous contract killer.
Budget:
$25M
Worldwide:
$5.55M
Starring
John Cusack
Actor
Morgan Freeman
Actor
Jamie Anderson
Actor
Key opinion
The Contract is widely viewed as a pedestrian, formulaic thriller that relies almost entirely on the star power of Morgan Freeman and John Cusack to remain watchable. While some find its simplicity pleasant for a single viewing, most critics agree that the film suffers from a predictable script, lackluster direction, and a failure to generate genuine tension.
| Acting | Morgan Freeman and John Cusack provide solid, reliable performances that serve as the film's only significant draw. | |
| Screenplay | The plot follows a highly predictable, clichéd structure that mirrors standard "Wild River" tropes without adding original elements. | |
| Direction | The direction is perceived as emotionless and uninspired, failing to elevate the material beyond a standard B-movie feel. | |
| Ending | The ending is frequently criticized for being rushed, unresolved, or unsatisfying. | |
| Pacing | The pacing is divided: some find the slow, contemplative tempo easy and pleasant to watch, while others describe it as dull, boring, and lacking in necessary dynamics. |