Promised Land

2012 • 106 minutes

About this movie

Matt Damon stars in Promised Land, the compelling contemporary drama based on an original screenplay by John Krasinski and Damon and directed by Gus Van Sant (Milk, Good Will Hunting). Corporate salesman Steve Butler (Matt Damon) has been dispatched to the rural town of McKinley with his sales partner (Frances McDormand) to offer much-needed relief to the economically hard-hit residents in exchange for drilling rights to their properties. What seems like an easy job for the duo quickly becomes complicated by a respected schoolteacher (Hal Holbrook), a slick environmental activist (John Krasinski), and Steve's interest in a local woman (Rosemarie DeWitt). As they grapple with a surprising array of both open hearts and closed doors, the outsiders soon discover the strength of an American small town at a crossroads.

Ratings and reviews

Funded by anti-fracking group with big money in foreign oil. So glad it was a flop so the far-left Damon can chalk up another loser on his ideological repertoire of stinkers. Don't be surprised if you find yourself wondering whether the producers of this movie are against American energy independence - they absolutely are. A total misrepresentation of how fracking works. Shame, shame.

About what I'd expect from the ignorant liberal that Matt apparently always has been. Didn't do any serious research into fracking, just went with what Dicaprio shouted out his window as he drove by in his battery-pack-laden Prius. Popular eco bullshit that's already been debunked by, gasp, actual science and REAL research. Stick to your Jason Bourne schtick, Matt....ohhh wait, Renner is a much better actor, so ehhh, just go away.

While the story is heartfelt and based loosely on actual events, it is clearly Anti fracking propaganda. We all know the dangers of fracking, but Im appalled to see Hollyweird profiting off of other people's misery. If 100% of the profits of the movie goes to the poor town portrayed, then bravo to their altruism. But we know better than that..