The Informant!

Pictured above: Matt Damon stars as Mark Whitacre in the offbeat comedy "The Informant!," a Warner Bros. Pictures release.

3 stars

Damon’s sheer brilliance saves this misleading corporate dramedy.

Stars: Matt Damon, Melanie Lynskey, Scott Bakula
Rating: PG

What’s the story?
Mike Whitacre (Damon) is the CEO of the ADM (Archer Daniels Midland Company.) ADM (responsible for marketing grain products) goes to a crash when they realize a mole inside is trying to blackmail them into an illegal price fixing war. They then turn to the last people on earth they could trust: the FBI. Little do they know that the FBI wants Mark to be their spy/informant on their ongoing investigation. Mark reluctantly agrees to wear a wire, meet with over dozens of his business competitors, and report back with detailed information. But how do we know if he’s telling the truth?

Why see it?
Director Steven Soderbergh (The Oceans movies) manages to deliver an intriguing and unique premise, and the screenwriters boost up some cleverly written and witty dialogue. Damon is also superb as Whitacre. The character he portrays is unlikable at times but Damon makes it work by bringing the right amount of wittiness, sheer idiocy and realism to his role.

Problems?
A promising setup can’t make up for a plot that’s too twisty and confusing to follow. The movie loses track of its potential due to messy storytelling. It also isn't sure of what kind of genre it's trying to be. The previews are very misleading, and you are to believe that this is a comedy but it’s not. It has some very funny moments but it's a drama disguised as a dark comedy with a message about the consequences of lying. Though Soderbegh still provides what could have been a smart and entertaining story about cooperate misdeeds he should have spent time preparing an Oceans 14 instead.

All in all:
Soderbergh has always managed to impress, but sadly it's Damon’s turn this time.