DVD Review: The Informant!

Posted Feb 25, 2010 by Kevin Walker

Updated Feb 25, 2010 at 02:26 PM

The Informant!
Stars: Matt Damon, Scott Bakula, Joel McHale
Director: Steven Soderbergh (“Che,” “Ocean’s Eleven”)
The plot: In the early 1990s, the two federal agents (Bakula and McHale) pursue a price-fixing investigation of agri-business giant Archer Daniels Midland based on information given them by Mark Whitacre (Damon), a biochemist in the company. As the case progresses, the probe finds more dirt about the company’s policies but raises questions about Whitacre. Based on a true story.
Bottom line:  Soderbergh loves making films about corruption and ineptitude among government and corporate leaders — the difference this time is it’s funny, if you appreciate humor built on oddball characters. Damon is terrific as a fast-thinker caught in his own web of deceit, as is Bakula as the very earnest agent.
Extras: Deleted scenes, all of which are pretty good (a rarity).
Quote: “Paranoid is what they call you when they want you to drop your guard.”
108 minutes (R; profanity)