Tony Kgoroge | Scott's Film Reviews-1,542 Reviews posted!!! Check out my TOP 250 FAVORITE FILMS and TOP 40 HORROR FILMS!!!

Invictus-2009

Director Clint Eastwood

Starring Matt Damon, Morgan Freeman

Scott’s Review #579

Reviewed January 2, 2017

Grade: B

As sports films go, it is very difficult, especially a sports film based on real-life actions, for a director to avoid cliches and make the film not a sappy, saturated mess.

I will point out some of the latter-day Rocky films as examples of cheese, not that those are true stories.

Nevertheless, Clint Eastwood has given us Invictus, and while the film is predictable and sappy, somehow it also works as an above-average offering.

This is undoubtedly helped by the superior acting of stars Matt Damon and Morgan Freeman, who give both compelling and nuanced performances.

While not a masterpiece, for the sports genre, it is above average, as it combines a South African history lesson along with good drama.

Freeman portrays the famed Nelson Mandela during the period when he took over as President and subsequently ended apartheid. He used the 1995 World Cup rugby matches as a way to unite his people.

Damon stars as a key rugby player.

Invictus is a rousing, triumphant sports film with a happy ending one can see for miles away. There is particularly a rooting value and rallying cry to the film since the subject matter is an important social issue and historically significant.

I wish that the film might have contained more character-driven elements, but it was clear the type of film that it was.

Nothing very surprising ever developed, as the film was straightforward, but it was still a worthy effort and a feel-good film.

Oscar Nominations: Best Actor-Morgan Freeman, Best Supporting Actor-Matt Damon

Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom-2013

Director Justin Chadwick

Starring Idris Elba, Naomie Harris

Scott’s Review #169

Reviewed September 13, 2014

Grade: B

Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom (2013) recounts the true story of the life and times of South African leader Nelson Mandela chronicling fifty-plus years of his life from 1942 to 1994, his passion for freedom and dedication to anti-apartheid, his battles with the government, and his struggles to survive in prison.

The film is shot beautifully, the cinematography gorgeous, and the South African landscape is breathtaking.

I enjoyed the chemistry between Idris Elba and Naomie Harris, who plays Nelson Mandela and his second wife Winnie respectively, and Elba, in particular, is very well cast.

He is charismatic, handsome, calm, and perfectly encompasses the famous leader’s mannerisms.

It was interesting to be exposed to a biopic that spanned such a lengthy period and, in a way, is a history lesson, especially for viewers young enough not to remember the details of Mandela’s life.

I was too young to know of all of Mandela’s trials and tribulations.

For example, I knew he was imprisoned and released, but knew not how long he had spent in prison and away from his wife and family. I got the sense that factually, some details were either embellished or skipped over entirely.

I’ve heard this criticism from moviegoers regarding Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom.

A few drawbacks- this film is VERY Hollywood. It has a glossy feel to it. I would have preferred a bit more grit.

Was there any sexual abuse while Mandela was imprisoned? Was Winnie abused while she was in prison? Why was the lack of sexuality in Mandela’s and Winnie’s marriage in later years alluded to, but never explored?

This is a negative to the film.

Since the film is rated PG-13, aspects are toned down and it has a very safe feel.

Also, for such a perfect shot and designed film, the makeup is dreadful! It was apparent that Idris Elba was wearing a glued-on, unflattering grey wig.

Furthermore, the woman playing Mandela’s mother was surely the same age if not younger than Elba, with dyed grey hair. This aspect feels poorly produced.

Overall, Mandela: A Long Walk Freedom (2013) is a good film, largely due to its acting and the look of the film, but it is not a great one.

Oscar Nominations: Best Original Song-“Ordinary Love”