Kyle's Movie Review: "The Constant Gardener"

Hey all. The weekend is upon us all, yet again. Not sure about what to do Friday night at 8? Come to the Science Center to watch "The Constant Gardener," the first of this weekend's two CAC films.

"The Constant Gardener" is based on the John le Carre novel of the same name. The story opens with a young couple living in Northern Kenya. Two-time Oscar nominee Ralph Fiennes (1993, Supporting Actor, "Schindler's List" and 1996, Lead Actor, "The English Patient") plays Justin Quayle, a detached British government employee who seems content with carrying out the status quo. He is uninspired and lacks ambition. His activist wife, Tessa (Rachel Weisz), is a polar opposite. Weisz is currently nominated for a Best Supporting Actress Oscar for her role in the film.

Fairly early in the movie, Tessa is killed. Most of Rachel Weisz's scenes occur throughout the movie by way of flashbacks. Her death seems like a typical, unfortunate casualty in a border skirmish. Certain circumstances, however, surrounding her death leave her husband wanting answers. Why was she acting so strange around the time of her death? What were her motives for coming to Kenya with Justin, a government official from Britain? What of the strange emails Tessa received mentioning Justin and questioning his knowledge of shady events? Using his diplomatic privilege as a British official, Justin begins to discover the truth behind his wife's death and uncovers an international conspiracy involving foreign governments and drug companies.

"The Constant Gardener" is rated R for language, some violent images and sexual content/nudity. Fans of this film will enjoy "City of God," (same director, same sort of style, also set in Africa), "Traffic," and "Syriana."

If you enjoy movies that make you think, come check this one out. If you enjoy an international, suspenseful thriller revolving around espionage and deceit where nothing is as it seems, this is also a film for you. If you would rather see some dork in glasses cast spells on people, save your money until 11:55 p.m Friday or 8 p.m. Saturday when "Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire" (also featuring Ralph Fiennes) will be shown.