Leviathan Review - 3½ Stars

Early word has “Leviathan” the favorite for this year’s best foreign film Oscar.  Set in modern-day Russia, an average man with a young wife and an angry son fights back when the corrupt local officials who run his town decide to confiscate his house.  An Army friend comes to his aid.  Officials fight back.  His friends fall somewhere between betrayal and supporters.  By the end of “Leviathan” the viewers almost stumble out of the theater — with the weight of a modern-day believable portrait of post-Soviet Russia.   Don’t expect a zippy tight drama.  “Leviathan” takes its sweet time — almost two and a half hours — adding to the plot’s punch.  Now showing at the Avalon theater and attracting Washington’s Russian community.  Expect to overhear those who know say “That’s about right.”  Does it deliver what it promises?  Dark Russian modern day drama.  Is it entertaining? Powerful is a better description  Is it worth the price of admission?  I’ll put my money on “Leviathan” as best foreign film this year.