Deterrence MPAA Rating: R Entertainment: +2 1/2 Content: -2

One of the most significant and profound films released in recent years, DETERRENCE forcefully reminds us of the ever-present threat of worldwide nuclear war. Set in the year 2008, President of the United States Walter Emerson (Kevin Pollack) and several staff members, including his Chief of Staff (Timothy Hutton) and National Security Advisor (Sherl Lee Ralph), find themselves trapped in a small town in Colorado by a freak snowstorm. As they set up a makeshift headquarters in a small diner, TV reports show that an Iraqi army is again invading nearby Kuwait and numerous Americans have been killed. President Emerson goes on national TV and startles everyone, including his staff, by threatening to drop a nuclear bomb on Baghdad if the Iraqi army does not withdraw. A tense drama unfolds as Emerson converses with the leader of Iraq and other nations in an attempt to resolve the crisis. Though time is running out before a bomb is scheduled to be dropped, Emerson takes time to listen to the opinions of those in the restaurant and consults with this staff, who are strongly opposed to his threat. Audiences are held in rapt attention as events unfold, some of which are very unexpected. Unfortunately, this very intriguing political thriller is only being released in a limited number of cities. Apparently the films distributor does not think DETERRENCE will draw a large following, but more sophisticated audiences will find it fascinating.

Similar to the 1964 film FAIL SAFE, DETERRENCE is equally as exciting and engrossing. But FAIL SAFE avoids the incessant use of obscenities and profanities found in this latest political drama. At least 31 f- and s-words are frantically blurted out by the President, his staff and others, along with many regular profanities. Probably included to convey reality in an intense crisis, the intensity of the foul language seems unrealistic and definitely unnecessary to assure an engrossing thriller. At the same time, Emerson is shown as a caring family man and very concerned about the possibility of annihilating millions of innocent people in Baghdad. Although portrayed as a Jewish atheist, he is portrayed as tolerant of other races and religions, and opposed to bigotry. Some viewers will not entirely agree, but he is intensely devoted to American national interest and security of the American people. Only undeleted expletives mar this thought-provoking film.

Preview Reviewer: John Evans
Distributor: Paramount Classics, 5555 Melrose Ave, Chevalier Bldg #215, Hollywood , CA 90038