Less than ten minutes into Vantage Point and I must confess I was hooked. In a scenic Spanish town square, the US president is about to address a global summit on terrorism, but just moments after stepping onto the podium he’s shot.

Minutes later, a bomb goes off, killing several innocent bystanders. We see this incident first from the perspective of a TV news producer (played by Sigourney Weaver), then from the POV of the Secret Service agent accompanying the president (Dennis Quaid), and subsequently from the viewpoints of six different people present there.

What starts off as an interesting premise quickly degenerates into a gimmicky thriller, because far from keeping it real, the makers of Vantage Point throw in some of the most ridiculous, not to mention some of the most clichéd set pieces to keep the action going – an over-enthusiastic tourist with a handicam, a never-ending car-chase, an endangered child, and believe-it-or-not even a duplicate Prez!

The concept of unfolding each new perspective by rewinding back to the exact same time seems like a clever device the first time, but honestly by the fourth time, it wears you out. If you asked me to explain in a nutshell what the problem with this film is, I’d have to say, it promises a new experience, a departure from the regular blow-em-up action films, but in the end, that’s just what it turns into.

I’d have to go with two out of five and an average rating for director Pete Travis’ Vantage Point – the only thing really puzzling about this supposedly zig-zag thriller, is Forrest Whitaker’s decision to be a part of this film right after winning the Oscar. Go with zero expectations and perhaps you won’t be too disappointed.

Rating: 2 / 5 (Average)

This movie here, when this film was advertised I was more than excited to watch this film which I did at the theatres and I must admit that the beginning of the movie captivatives and completely captures your attention until it reminds. After the first rewind it did again and after the second time I was completely uninterested in this film. This film was considered good by some and watchable by others but in my opionion I personally did not like it.

SORRY, I DID NOT!!!

Some reviewers make it out to almost be a B-movie, but it isn't, not by a long shot.

The story revolves around the assassination of the US president who is attending a counter-terrorism summit in Spain. The film is told from multiple viewpoints and the events that transpire within a 23-minute time frame, thus a Groundhog Day-like experience.

Vantage Point is really just an action film . . . pure and simple. When seeing this film, don't expect a complex and deep storyline; it certainly isn't that. The proper approach is to just take it for what it is. I liked this film because it had no pretensions. It didn't want to pretend that it needs to be over-analyzed by the viewer. There are no lengthy sub-plots and behind-the-back conspiracy pieces, no need to explain who is fighting for what cause. And if you approach with this frame of mind, then I assure you, you won't get bored or disappointed.

It's a movie that doesn't need to be analyzed ad nauseam. It doesn't care about needing to tie up lose ends and explain all the circumstances surrounding the assassination. Approach it from *that* "vantage point" and you'll appreciate it more.