The Informant! (2009) Review in 2025
The Informant! is a biographical comedy-drama film based on the true story of Mark Whitacre, a corporate executive who becomes an FBI informant.
Family-Friendly Rating
Is this movie suitable for family viewing?
This movie is not suitable for family viewing due to mature themes, language, and some violence.
CineReview Recommendation
This movie is worth watching for fans of biographical dramas and comedy-dramas. However, it may not be suitable for all audiences due to mature themes and language.
Spoiler Alert!
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The film follows Mark Whitacre, a rising star at Archer Daniels Midland, who becomes an FBI informant after discovering corporate fraud. However, his involvement in the case leads to a series of events that ultimately ruin his life.
Review Details
story8.00/10
The story is engaging and well-written, with a unique blend of comedy and drama. However, it feels a bit disjointed at times, and some plot points are underdeveloped.
acting9.00/10
The acting is superb, with Matt Damon delivering a career-best performance as Mark Whitacre. The supporting cast is also excellent, with standout performances from Scott Bakula and Joel McHale.
characters8.50/10
The characters are well-developed and complex, with Matt Damon delivering a standout performance as Mark Whitacre. The supporting cast is also excellent, with notable performances from Scott Bakula and Joel McHale.
direction8.00/10
Steven Soderbergh's direction is solid, with a keen eye for detail and a sense of pacing that keeps the film moving. However, some scenes feel a bit rushed, and the film could benefit from a more cohesive narrative structure.
cinematography7.50/10
The cinematography is decent, with some nice shots and a good use of color. However, the film could benefit from more visual flair and a more distinctive visual style.
Pros and Cons
Pros
The film has a unique blend of comedy and drama, with standout performances from the cast. The story is engaging, and the direction is solid.
Cons
The film feels a bit disjointed at times, and some plot points are underdeveloped. The cinematography could benefit from more visual flair.
Notable Quotes
"I'm not a cheat, I'm just a guy who's been cheated on."
"I'm not a liar, I'm just a guy who's been lied to."
"I'm not a thief, I'm just a guy who's been stolen from."
