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People are voting emotionally.

Just perfect...

It's entirely possible that sending the audience out feeling lousy was intentional

It’s fine. It's literally the definition of a fine movie. You’ve seen it before, you know every beat and outcome before the characters even do. Only question is how much escapism you’re looking for.

slow, precise, like numeracy of a boy not very passioned by math. a correct film, analyze, drop by drop, of terrorist phobia. Peter Krause has an impressive role and the tension is admirable work. so, far to be picture of a case, it is image of fear , quasi-paranoia, doubts, fear of entire world. only problem of this perfect clock is the uninspired end. forced, far to be piece of same game, it is only reflection of rush to finish the script. the story of good citizen, tax payer, patriot and full of propaganda is the good point and any trap is avoided. the strange neighbor, the civic duty in extensive form, the dream to be hero, the fake image of reality, each ingredient of a profound personal crisis is nice recipes for an interesting movie. but it is not enough.

After being laid off in a downsizing of his company, the bitter and bigoted American accountant Terry Allen (Peter Krause) faces financial problems with the mortgage of his house. He uses his available time to snoop his downstairs neighbor Gabe Hassan (Khaled Abol Naga), a Middle Eastern student that is having his Master degree sponsored by an Islamic organization in an American university, and calls the FBI to tell his suspicion. However, FBI Agent Tom Hilary (Richard Schiff) asks him to forget Hassan. When Terry tells his wife Marla Allen (Kari Matchett) that he had contacted FBI, she becomes upset and leaves Terry. However, his obsessive bigotry and alienation trigger paranoia against his neighbor and a tragic conclusion."Civic Duty" repeats the storyline of "Rear Window", i.e., a neighbor snooping another one, to expose in low pace the prejudice and alienation against immigrants in USA after the infamous September, 11th. Peter Krause gives a top-notch performance in the role of an average American citizen of middle-class, frustrated by the unemployment, bombed by the media with shallow information against Islamic people and his alienation and bigotry becoming paranoia that the poor Islamic student is associated to a terrorist group. The plot is totally believable and the tragic conclusion is very realistic. Unfortunately, the DVD released by FOX gives wrong information in the cover, since it has NO SUBTITLES and NO CLOSED CAPTION. My vote is eight.Title (Brazil): Not Available

This movie does a good job of showing the viewer how a psychologically disturbed personality can interpret neutral stimuli in a paranoid fashion. The use of the scripted newscasts were reminiscent of the news coverage post 9-11.It was a movie that was well-acted and well directed to show how one misconception can lead to another - and how a bad situation can turn into a nightmare with just a few missteps. There were also some surprisingly humorous moments as the neighbor who is held hostage comments on the situation at hand to a man who is obviously losing his grip on reality.It is ashame that the movie disappoints in the end by insinuating that the neighbor was indeed a terrorist. This drags what was a well-crafted story down to a cheap potshot of a film that stereotypes all non Caucasians as terrorists. This implication taints the picture and helps to fuel the paranoid delusions of pathetic individuals such as the one portrayed in the main character.

Pros: Great acting throughout; Peter Krause is incredible. All extras fill their respective roles convincingly, as well. Directer put great emphasis on the details, which, in this movie, is important. Story/Plot is simple due to its symbolic nature, making it easy to follow. Awesome camera work lends to the unsettling nature of the film. Great cultural/stereotype contrasts, displayed with perfection.Cons: Message is too heavy-handed, taking away some realism. Film tends to be dramatically claustrophobic. It does not matter if it was intended, it still needed air.Where They Went Wrong: There is an anti-American diatribe against American Foreign Policy to rebut the cruel treatment of women in certain Middle-Eastern countries. This did nothing to lend to the films credibility and came off as ridiculous and unfair. Conflicts (wars) are completely different than inhumane domestic policy. Even if those conflicts are wrong. The whole screed was a misnomer.Where They Went Right: The symbolism of Krause's angry disposition serving as Americas general hostility, fed by media hype and propaganda. The predisposition made the whole chaotic scenario almost believable.This film was enjoyable, just wish it would have been well rounded. Also, we could've used this film 2-3 years ago. But, whatever.Rent It.