Imperium

This is all about compelling storytelling combining with just as compelling acting.

The basic plot of the film is nothing new, many films have covered this material.

Its the intricacies of the story that make it work, the interpersonal drama and tension are really powerful.

Potter excels again in this movie showing he is an actor to look for when he releases something. He doesn't always hit it out of the park but on this occasion, he does.

Issues like fascism, white supremacism and terrorism have far more dramatic potential than shown in this movie.

Particularly with regard to the characters. Even the base soldiers in nowadays movements are more complex in their state of mind and appearance and exist in more ambiguity than pictured here. The writers should have invested another 15 minutes in character-builing elements.

The movie is just too cliché-ridden and simplifying - one both sides of Nates employments. In particular the Neo Nazi Movement in Europe is by far more perfidious and dishonest then those pictured in the movie.

As much I liked many performances of Daniel Radcliffe of the past years, he doesn't convince me at all in this one.

At least the movie is a professionally designed production. But that's pretty much it.

Pros: 1. The score brilliantly lathers the film in a constantly tense and nerve-wracking feel. 2. The movie provides a fair enough representation of white power views which serves to heighten Nate Foster's (Daniel Radcliffe) ideological struggles and make them feel more real. 3. Daniel Radcliffe, Toni Collette (Angela Zamparo), Chris Sullivan (Andrew Blackwell), and Seth Numrich (Roy) give brilliant performances. 4. The tension and suspense are built up really well and it keeps the viewer on the edge of their seat for the entire duration.

Cons: 1. In the beginning, Nate Foster strangely claims that Usman (Roger Yawson) did nothing but talk about taking action, even though he brazenly admitted to supplying materials for bomb-making, and he even went to detonate said bomb. 2. The film promulgates the false narrative that white supremacists commit more terror attacks than Muslims. The FBI has explicitly highlighted that it is the other way round. 3. Daniel Radcliffe's American accent is rather patchy in places, and at times sounds a little forced. 4. The fissures between the white power cells is introduced, and then forgotten about. The movie never truly examines these tensions. 5. The third act is completely rushed, as it tries to introduce a veritable bomb threat within the last 25 minutes with very little build up.

Daniel Radcliffe as a FBI agent and an extreme white supremacist, now that was a film I really had to see. Personally, I love undercover stories as they have inbuilt elements of excitement and uncertainty. You're wondering constantly whether the covert operation is going to be a success or a failure.

Even with a shaved head and gangster clothes, Radcliffe lacked menace, fury and vitriol one might expect from a white supremacist. His eyes emanate a childlike innocence that is difficult to overcome even by vulgar behaviour and foul language. He doesn't astound, but I was quite engrossed in his performance. I cared about him and I wanted him to succeed.

I would have loved to see a deeper examination of infiltration strategies than what was in this film. It employs tips from the well – known book: Dale Carnegie's 'How to win friends and influence people', and doesn't go beyond that. By being as simple as it is, it takes away the intrigue of an undercover story.

There were some nail-biting scenes and clever dialogue that held my attention. We do get to delve into the mindsets of several white supremacists. The finale, however, felt very rushed. It came across as very sudden and I questioned its plausibility. It seems that the writers just needed a quick and thrilling end to the story without considering whether it is consistent with what they have developed earlier, both story and character wise.

I admire Radcliffe's tenacity to take on such a role. Even though the film wasn't a profound artwork, he does well in trying to break the seemingly immutable image of him as Harry Potter. Anyone who is used to seeing him as the boy who lived would be pleasantly surprised.

This movie first was written so well and the cast was just amazing. It is tough topic, but one that we should all be aware of. It was so suspenseful, acting was great. I have been waiting for a good MOVIE ALL SUMMER, this is one you cannot MISS...Rent or if you are lucky enough to have it open in your city see it...go! YOU WILL NOT BE DISAPPOINTED with the Actors, STORY or the entire movie.... 10 out of a 10.....

By the way, everyone that is taking this as more than entertainment needs to lighten up and Just enjoy. It is not a documentary, it is a movie. We know we have crazy's in the world, but this is a SUMMER BLOCK BUSTER.,,, ENJOY