Everybody's a critic - 'The Manchurian Candidate'

One star (out of four)

Although the timing for "The Manchurian Candidate" could not have been more perfect, the modern version of the 1962 John Frankenheimer drama cannot recapture the heart and soul of the original.

The impeccable acting of Meryl Streep adds to John Demme's remake as she sets up her son, Raymond Shaw, for success as the next vice president.

When the film opens, the audience is introduced to Denzel Washington's character, Bennett Marco.

Washington's acting was parallel to Streep's, but the major names could not save the weak plot and empty dialogue.

Due to the lack of an intriguing script, the movie showed its length of 135 minutes.

Overall, "The Manchurian Candidate" deserves to be seen, but only in the comfort of your own home. I encourage a viewing of the original film before seeing the 2004 version.

- Emma Evans, student

--

Three and a half stars (out of four)

If you are looking for a good psychological thriller, then "The Manchurian Candidate" definitely fits the bill. This movie starts out with a good amount of action to catch your interest, while the ending will keep you on the edge of your seat wondering what will happen next.

The plot centers around a group of Desert Storm veterans and their experience during the war. When it's discovered that the events that put one veteran into the political limelight may have actually been programmed into the minds of his fellow squad members, the movie really begins.

With both the upcoming presidential election and the ongoing military conflict in Iraq, the timing of this movie couldn't have been better. This movie really shows the extent to which some people will go in order to achieve their goals, no matter the cost to others.

- Hank Sessoms, student/factory worker

--

Three stars (out of four)

The timing of this movie's release is perfect, since the two most important issues facing Americans today are the war in Iraq and the upcoming election. This movie reflects both issues.

I believe it was an excellent way for the movie industry to entertain us and enable one to see how far technology could go in the future.

When I left the movie I wondered to what ends people would go to achieve their goals in life. It was amazing how Meryl Streep's character lost sight of her values in order to attain power and position through the manipulation of her character's son and his fellow Desert Storm squad members.

Personally the performances of Denzel Washington and Meryl Streep were exceptional in my eyes. What else could you expect from these two performers?

- Lin Berfield, sales