Promised Land - 2 smiles

Before the obviously manipulative ending, “Promised Land” presents some interesting issues about how corporations operate and the battle between economic realities and environmental concerns. Fracking, a process in which subterranean natural gas is released by the pulverization of shale, not only provides an abundant supply of natural gas, but can also be a financial boon to those who lease their land (often farms) to the gas companies. There are, however, environmental concerns with the possible contamination of water sources and the rendering of soil as unsuitable for planting. Ultimately, what’s interesting about this movie is the strategies employed by corporations to win over the hearts and minds of the small-town people and how far they will go to get what they want. And although Matt Damon and John Kraskinski’s script does attempt to address the real-world issue of whether the undeniable economic benefits of fracking outweigh the potential ecological issues, the overly sentimental ending seems a little too pat.

“Promised Land” follows the efforts of two Global Gas field operatives, Steve Butler (Matt Damon) and Sue Thomason (Frances McDormand), to secure leases on the properties in a rural community that has been identified as having significant shale deposits underground. The duo arrives with promises of good money in times of economic hardship. The initial reaction to Steve and Sue is positive although that changes when local science teacher, Frank Yates (Hal Holbrook), speaks out against fracking at a local community meeting. Then environmental activist Dustin Noble (John Krasinski) arrives and charms the locals, including Alice (Rosemary DeWitt), a woman whose casual flirtation has caught Steve’s attention. The bulk of the movie follows the moves and counter moves by Steve and Dustin to win over a majority of the town before an all-important vote on fracking. Matt Damon gives a nice, low-key performance although he comes across as too naïve and fumbling to match the ‘wonder boy’ reputation he is introduced as having. “Promised Land” obviously had good intentions, but by the time it’s over, you have to say that it just doesn’t work. 12/30/12