Lesha, 16 of California, one of our "Hollywood Preview Crew", got to go to a screening of a new film! Here are Lesha's thoughts on THE CONTENDER

In THE CONTENDER, the President of the United States (Jeff Bridges) must choose a new Vice President when the current V.P. dies while in office. He chooses a woman! Senator Laine Hanson (Joan Allen) is bright, well-spoken and up on the issues but she must be "confirmed" by a Senate committee. The committee is headed by Shelly Runyon (Gary Oldman), a manipulative opposition leader who uses every dirty trick in the book to keep Laine's appointment from being confirmed. Runyon supports another Senator named Jack Hathaway (William Petersen) who is furious that Laine has been chosen.

In order to discredit Laine, Runyon and his staff dig up some "dirt" from her past, a rumor that years ago, in college, she went through a sorority initiation that included sleeping with several fraternity guys during one party. This info goes public on the internet due to Runyon's evil doings and he demands that she either confirms or denies the story.

Laine refuses to comment on the incident. She stands firm in her belief that the private lives of public officials are just nobody's business. Despite repeated efforts to embarrass her, Laine won't confirm or deny nor will she use personal facts she's learned about Runyon to discredit him. It looks like her confirmation won't go through and that Senator Hathaway will be the V.P., but news of his illegal activities surfaces denying him the job and sending him to face jail time. Laine wants to withdraw her name but the President won't let her. Was the story about Laine Hanson true? Does she become the first woman V.P. of the U.S.? You'll have to see the film to find out.



THE CONTENDER explores the dark side of American politics and centers on a strong woman and her fight to stay in the light. The film is dedicated "TO OUR DAUGHTERS" and girls should root for Senator Laine Hanson all the way. Joan Allen is wonderful in the role. Even if you don't happen to totally agree with Laine's politics (she's super liberal) you can get behind her integrity, spunk and lady-like refusal to be dragged through the political mud or stoop to the low level of her enemies. You'll also recognize Christian Slater as a young, ambitious Congressman in the film. If you are up for a dramatic movie that focuses on a woman and deals with human issues rather than effects-driven action, THE CONTENDER is the ticket!



WARNING: This film is rated "R" and deals with adult situations. Parents might want to see the film first and decide if it's acceptable for their kids to see it.

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