It does seem this film's ratings are almost purely partisan. Gun buffs give it 1s. Those favoring restrictions give it 9s and 10s. (For the record, I'm a hunter and army veteran whose just fine with most gun restrictions.) Neither high nor low ratings are justifiable. Contrary to the claims of those giving it high ratings, the issue of guns IS central to the plot, action, character motivations, almost everything. Contrary to those giving it 1s, this film is NOT "propaganda." In fact at one point a ludicrous thing happens that's in accord with gun rights mythos: A civilian is saved by another armed civilian. That's pretty rare, contrary to open carry types' wishful imaginations of themselves as Dirty Harry.The problem with the film is that, as it deals with lobbyists, it must given us long expositions of talking points on all sides. This is about as exciting as drying paint. By the time the predictable "twist" about corruption was revealed, you'll be ready to fall asleep.The sole saving grace is the lead actress's driven performance. No other reason to see this. Fast forward past the talking points. The film, minus them, clocks in under an hour.

This movie could have been something great, if its script could have managed to be something coherent. alas, it is not. neither my mother nor i could follow the film to save our lives, and i have a BA in cinema! granted, my cinema dean once told me i wasn't so good with non linear storytelling so maybe this wasn't the film for me, but judging by some other comments on here, i'm thinking i'm not alone on being completely lost when it was over. in the hands of a great screenwriter, this film could have been very powerful (ie, Chastain's collaboration with sorkin, 'molly's game'. great film and easy to follow, despite similar themes of fast paced dialogue and complicated themes) ultimately, when you can't keep track of who is on what side and what is and isn't relevant to the film, you have a problem. i would have failed the film but gave an extra point for Chastain's bad ass performance.

"Simple" masterpiece. Worth spent your precious time.

This movie had so much potential, but was so full of lies and the regurgitated pro-gun and anti-gun talking points, it missed the mark ENTIRELY. Too bad. I hate to see wasted talent.