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| Movie Review: Invictus Alternate Title: Against All Odds
Story: There is nothing wrong
with a feel good film that also has important historical significance
and just happens to appeal to the masses. Director Clint Eastwood
knows how to make these movies and is counting on his fan base and earned
appeal to get people into the theaters for this inspirational, uplifting
film. It was written by Anthony Peckham and is based
on the book “Playing the Enemy” by John
Carlin. It is 1995 and recently elected Nelson
Mandela is desperately trying to bring together a troubled
nation after the nightmare of Apartheid. The Springboks are a rugby
team loved by white South Africans and hated by black South Africans.
Along with Mandela's idea for national reconciliation and forgiveness
he decides that uniting the country around this sports team is worth
the effort. The film revolves around this Herculean task. The film gets bogged down in a few too many side
stories and a bit too many sappy visuals, that at times, seemed cloying,
obvious and sanctimonious. That said - I am sure the masses who see
this film will fall for its evident appeal and actually tear up. We
did not. I know nothing about rugby and after seeing this
film only learned that you have to throw the ball backwards or sideways.
The film spends the last 20 minutes in the throws of the World Cup final
game and I got a bit tired of the grunting, weird pile ups and other
sporting stuff. Should you see this film? Why not? Who does not
like stories that inspire with heart and who does not like watching
Morgan Freeman do his thing. Watch the trailer here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AqKjVo-9qso Acting: Morgan Freeman as Nelson Mandela hits a home
run. He captures his style, grace and spirit perfectly. Matt
Damon as team captain François Pienaar is always good
- period. Trivia: Joel Stransky kicked the winning goal in the
1995 game. For a profile of him read this article from Jewish Week.
http://www.thejewishweek.com/viewArticle/c39_a17434/News/International.html
The poem, Invictus was written by William
Ernest Henley in 1875 and was inspirational to Nelson Mandela
while he was in prison. Here is the poem:
Out of the night that covers me, Predilection: I have always been fascinated by the
politics in South Africa.
Critters: Some street dogs.
Food: Tea and cookies
Sex Spectrum: None
Soundtrack: Often soaring by Kyle Eastwood and Michael
Stevens;
Opening Titles: None
Theater Audience: About 20 other people and us.
Sappy Factor: 2
Quirky Meter: 0
Squirm Scale: The idea of Apartheid is very squirmy.
Drift Factor: I did not drift but it did get a little
long and sappy at times.
Predictability Level: High
Tissue Usage: 0
Oscar Worthy: No - but the award shows just love Clint
Eastwood and who doesn't like Morgan Freeman?
Big Screen or Rental: This is one for the big screen.
Length: Too long at 2 hours and 15 minutes.
LOBO HOWLS: 7.5 |