“The Contender” might keep you guessing until the end, but the key is to stick with it in the beginning.  The new Dreamworks film, starring Joan Allen, Gary Oldman, Jeff Bridges and Christian Slater, has arrived just in time for the election. After the vice president of the United States dies unexpectedly, the president nominates U.S. Sen. Laine Hanson (Allen) to serve as the replacement. The leader of the special hearings committee, Shelly Runyon (Oldman), does not want to confirm “a woman just because she’s a woman,” and regardless of her gender, does not think she will rise to “greatness.” Thus, he discreetly digs up all of the sexual dirt on Runyon, and creates some in the process. Overall, “The Contender” is a great movie, yet in the beginning the viewers may be second-guessing their selection. The slower parts of the film are necessary, however, to set up the intricate plot that follows. It’s definitely worth the time and money. It could even be a good one to watch a second time. Once the secrets of the movie are disclosed, the outstanding acting and perplexing issues that arise make “The Contender” strong enough to hold viewers’ interest if they wanted to watch again.An important theme throughout “The Contender” is guilt versus responsibility. Even if Hanson is responsible for sexual choices she made in her personal life, does that make her unfit to be vice president? Are politicians’ personal lives the public’s concern? Are officials expected to set the moral standards for the country? Perhaps the viewer’s mind will be changed after watching this movie.  Still, a few questions go unanswered. Although these complexities make the movie a bit confusing, they make it more interesting for viewers because the answers are left up to their discretion. For instance, does the president select Hanson because she is a woman, or is she the most qualified and just happened to be a woman? It is unclear, but makes the movie all the more intriguing.  Although “The Contender” is a serious political drama, Bridges, who plays President Jackson Evans, provides comical relief. At first it seems somewhat out of place because the main thing on his agenda appears to be food. As the president’s leadership skills surface throughout the movie, he makes some very truthful, clever remarks. The president sums up the issues by saying to Hanson, “They caught you being human.”One odd thing in the movie is the lack of music in the first half. Not that a soundtrack is necessary, but it would certainly contribute to the tone of the piece. Eventually music is added, which makes “The Contender” much more intense as it progresses.The audience may have mixed feelings about Hanson. Viewers will probably respect her for standing by her principles throughout the scandal, however, it is frustrating that she does not defend herself against the attacks. Runyon is someone viewers will love to hate. He is king of the “low-blow,” and knows just how to be nasty, but come off looking innocent – or at least within the scope of his authority. His character is very believable and realistic, stopping at nothing to get what he wants.  Slater is an interesting addition to the cast. He plays the young U.S. Rep. Reginald Webster who sits on the special hearings committee. Webster adds variety to the cast and provides an alternate perspective on Washington politics. In all of his decisions, he is determined to be true to his heart. All of the characters are dynamic and will not fail to hold peoples’ interest. None of them are what they seem to be on the surface. As “The Contender” continues, more about each character is revealed, possibly changing the viewers’ previously held notions.  “The Contender” will be in theaters nationwide tomorrow.