Watch Shock and Awe

Set in the lead-up to the Iraq War, Shock and Awe is a powerful and thought-provoking film that explores the role of the media in shaping public opinion and holding those in power accountable. Directed by Rob Reiner and starring Woody Harrelson and James Marsden, the movie tells the story of a group of journalists who dared to challenge the government's claim that Saddam Hussein had weapons of mass destruction.

At the heart of the film are the journalists of the Knight Ridder newspaper group, who were among the few in the mainstream media to question the Bush administration's case for going to war in Iraq. Harrelson and Marsden play reporters Jonathan Landay and Warren Strobel, who use their insider sources to uncover the truth about the flimsy evidence used to justify the invasion.

Reiner himself plays their editor, John Walcott, who is determined to uphold the principles of good journalism in the face of intense pressure from the government and other media outlets to toe the line. Alongside them is an impressive supporting cast, including Jessica Biel as a young hotshot journalist, Tommy Lee Jones as a retired Army general, and Milla Jovovich as a soldier's grieving mother.

Despite being based on true events, Shock and Awe never feels like a dry history lesson. Reiner injects plenty of tension and drama into the proceedings, and the film is packed with gripping scenes of investigative journalism that will have viewers on the edge of their seats. There are also moments of humor and camaraderie that help to humanize the characters and make their struggles all the more compelling.

Perhaps the most impressive aspect of the movie, however, is its relevance to our current political climate. As the world becomes increasingly polarized and issues of truth and accountability are more important than ever, Shock and Awe serves as a timely reminder of the vital role that a free press plays in any functioning democracy. The movie is a call to arms for journalists and citizens alike to stand up to power and demand the truth.

Overall, Shock and Awe is a must-see film for anyone who cares about the state of our democracy and the role of the media in holding the government accountable. Harrelson and Marsden give excellent performances as the dogged reporters who refuse to be cowed by spin and propaganda, while Reiner proves himself as a director capable of tackling weighty issues with intelligence, nuance, and heart. Whether you're an aspiring journalist, a concerned citizen, or a lover of great cinema, Shock and Awe is a movie that demands your attention.

Shock and Awe is a 2018 history movie with a runtime of 1 hour and 30 minutes. It has received mostly poor reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.4 and a MetaScore of 47.