Movies
A fine ensemble film that casts a different light on racism. It's a pre-woke film, which is probably how it won its Oscar, but that doesn't mean it is completely void of valid points. Haggis goes a little overboard and he could've toned it down just a little, but we all know Hollywood doesn't do subtlety very well. Apart from the interesting thematic angle, it's also nice to see Haggis spent a lot of time on the presentation. The soundtrack in particular isn't afraid to take center stage. The performances are good, most of the stories add to the overall picture and while a bit too sentimental in places, most of the emotions felt earned. One of the better Academy winners out there.Read all
An overly detailed and overly weighty thriller about a man who comes up with an elaborate plan to free his wife from prison. Crowe does a pretty poor job, Haggis never manages to build up any real tension and the ending is way too predictable. It's little more than a shoddy thriller that thinks it's a classic in the making.