Promised Land (2012)
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51% of critics liked it
(144 reviews) -
45% of users liked it
(15,325 ratings)
Promised Land is the new contemporary drama directed by Gus Van Sant (Good Will Hunting, Milk). Matt Damon plays Steve Butler, an ace corporate salesman who is sent along with his partner, Sue Thomason (Frances McDormand), to close a key rural town in his company's expansion plans. With the town… More Promised Land is the new contemporary drama directed by Gus Van Sant (Good Will Hunting, Milk). Matt Damon plays Steve Butler, an ace corporate salesman who is sent along with his partner, Sue Thomason (Frances McDormand), to close a key rural town in his company's expansion plans. With the town having been hit hard by the economic decline of recent years, the two outsiders see the local citizens as likely to accept their company's offer, for drilling rights to their properties, as much-needed relief. What seems like an easy job for the duo becomes complicated by the objection of a respected schoolteacher (Hal Holbrook) with support from a grassroots campaign led by another man (John Krasinski), as well as the interest of a local woman (Rosemarie DeWitt). Promised Land explores America at the crossroads where big business and the strength of small-town community converge.
- Directed By
- Gus Van Sant
- Written By
- Matt Damon, John Krasinski, Dave Eggers
- Genres
- Drama
- In Theaters
- Jan 4, 2013 Wide
- On DVD
- Apr 23, 2013
- Studio
- Focus Features
Critic Reviews
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Richard Roeper, Richard Roeper.com
This is a solid if at times too conventional tale of a classic moral conflict.
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Lisa Kennedy, Denver Post
[It's mostly] a well-wrought drama that feels genuine as it goes about spinning a tale worthy of our challenging times.
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Peter Rainer, Christian Science Monitor
Promised Land is more effective as an anti-fracking screed than as a drama.
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Connie Ogle, Miami Herald
Damon and McDormand are terrific as co-workers seeking the same goal, though they see their work from different points of view.
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Tom Long, Detroit News
This isn't a movie about easy fixes, be they personal or political; it's a film about long-term problems.
See more critic ratings and reviews on Rotten Tomatoes
Fresh (60% or more critics rated the movie positively)
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Cast
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Matt Damon
as Steve Butler
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John Krasinski
as Dustin Noble
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Frances McDormand
as Sue Thomason
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Rosemarie DeWitt
as Alice
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Hal Holbrook
as Frank Yates
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Scoot McNairy
as Jeff Dennon
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Titus Welliver
as Rob
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Benjamin Sheeler
as Attendant
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Terry Kinney
as David Churchill
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Carla Bianco
as Waitress
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Joe Coyle
as Michael Downey
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Dorothy Silver
as Arlene
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Lexi Cowan
as Drew's Girl
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Tim Guinee
as Drew Scott
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Sara Lindsey
as Claire Allen
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Frank Conforti
as Coach
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Garrett Ashbaugh
as Basketball Player
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Jerico Morgan
as Jericho
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Max Schuler
as Carson Allen
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August G. Siciliano
as 5th Grader
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Ken Strunk
as Gerry Richards
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Karen Baum
as Lynn
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Gerri Bumbaugh
as Jesse the Bartender
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Johnny Cicco
as Donny
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Erin Baldwin
as Buddy's Waitress
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Kristin Slaysman
as Gwen
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Andrew Kuebel
as 6-year-old Boy
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Matthew Ferrante
as Drummer
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Justin Cook
as Guitar #1
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Steven Craven
as Bass
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Bruce Craven
as Guitar #2
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Gene Williams
as Keyboard
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Dan Anders
as Large Man
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Lucas Black
as Paul Geary
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Sandy Medred
as Paul's Girlfriend
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Carrington E. Vaughn
as Colin
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Alexander Cain
as Danny Thomason
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Joy De La Paz
as Motel Receptionist
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Lennon Wynn Kuzniar
as Lemonade Girl at Gym
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Payton Godfrey
as Lemonade Girl at Fair
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Jason Gedrick
as Davey Hancock
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Kiefer Sutherland
as Danny Rivers
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Meg Ryan
as Bev
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Tracy Pollan
as Mary Daley
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Googy Gress
as Baines
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Deborah Richter
as Pammie
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Oscar Rowland
as Mr. Rivers
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Sandra Seacat
as Mrs. Rivers
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Jay Underwood
as Circle K Clerk
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Herta Ware
as Mrs. Higgins
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Todd Anderson
as Pat Rivers
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Kelly Ausland
as Ashville Basketball Player
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Charles Black
as Preacher
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Cindy Clark
as Vera
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Walt Logan Field
as High School Coach
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John Garrison
as Mr. Daley
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Dave Jensen
as College Coach
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Michael Ruud
as Cowboy in Casino
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Victoria Holloway
as Cleo
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Lisa MacFarlane
as Jenny
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Spence Ashby
as Flagman
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Bob Bedore
as Falcons Basketball Player
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Troy Bench
as Falcons Basketball Player
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James Cash
as Park Employee
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Adam Christensen
as Ashville Basketball Player
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Dorothy Conrad
as Mary's Grandmother
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Gae Cowley
as Mrs. Daley
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Grant Gottschall
as Bassford
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DeBorah Green
as Kate
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Matthew Karas
as Park Employee Dultz
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Tony Kruletz
as Charlie
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Jeff Lindsay
as Falcons Basketball Player
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Richard Matthew
as Mel
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Herb McGarvey
as Riley Riddle
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Gene Pack
as Mayor of Ashville
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Shane Perry
as Ashville Basketball Player
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Fenton Quinn Jr.
as Flagman
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Theron Read
as Hasting
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Don Steffey
as Rudy Riddle
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Tom Thornquest
as Falcons Basketball Player
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Zeke Totland
as Falcons Basketball Player
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Greg Weichers
as Ashville Basketball Player
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Joseph Yeates
as Kate's Husband
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David Valenza
as Glenn





