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Rating: A-
The Infiltrator
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Nothing like a good crime movie to come on to the summer blockbuster scene and The Infiltrator starring Breaking Bad alum Bryan Cranston does not dissapoint! This film is based on the true story of how one government opperation helped bring down some of the dirty banks in kingpin Pablo Escobars operation. This film is wild, but it is more wild to think that much of this story is 100% true. The story itself is based on the book by Robert Mazur (who Cranston portrays in the film) The Infiltrator: My Secret Life Inside the Dirty Banks Behind Pablo Escobar's Medellín Cartel.
The film introduces us to Robert Mazur (Cranston) while he is in the middle of an undercover operation. The US Customs special agent has a knack for these types of operations and doesn't break cover even as his wire he is wearing starts to malfunction and basically catch on fire while it is still taped to his chest! Knowing that this is suppose to be his last undercover assignment before he retires with full benefits, we suppose he wants to go out with a bang. His planes for retirement get quickly sidelined when he is approached by another officer played by John Leguizamo, Emir Abreu. Abreu has been working with a low level drug dealer who is feeding evicence to them and he basically offers up a shot at taking down some big players in Pablo Escobars giant money laundering machine. The temptation is too great to pass up despite the reservations from his family about doing "one last job".
This very elaborate and carfeully orchestrated plan pulls everyone involved way deeper than they imagines when before long they are rubbing elbows with some very high up players in the drug world and seeing massive amounts of money change hands. This film was not only an incredible look at just how insane these undercover ops can be, but also how easiy it is to get too close to your marks. benjamin Bratt plays Roberto Alcaino and is easily one of the most intense guys in the film. He worlks for Escobar and is wayhigh on the food chain. Despite the fact that this guy is behind some truly horrible things, he is so damn likeable. The man is literally dripping with charm. So much charm.
This movie is a much watch. Lots of intestity and this is definitely Bryan Cranston at his best. He is phenomenal in this role. I will say this film does take you on an emotional roller coaster at every turn, leading up to it's final conclusion, which we already know because, ya know, history, but it is still so gut wrenching to watch. Even though we know these are the "Bad Guys" you still feel like you just witnessed the coldest act of betrayal and it cuts deep. Despite all that The Infiltrator has easily earned its place on you must watch summer movie list.
The Infiltrator his theaters July 15 - we have stamped this one a Certified Watch it!