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I watched this film tonight in an advance screening at Georgia Tech. The documentary follows a cooperative in Oromia, Ethiopia and its attempts to gain a better price for its farmers. Contrasting the rich urban life of the consumer with the impoverished rural life of the producer, the truth is staggering: The premium price paid by consumers at the counter goes almost entirely to corporations and only pennies on the dollar to the farmer. The farmers don't seek luxuries or to extort consumers, only to be paid and treated fairly and equitably, to dull the edge on their harsh lifestyle. The larger plight of Africans is broached as is world trade of Third World exports. It was extremely refreshing that there was no attempt to preach nor use emotional tricks as are found in many large release documentaries, instead allowing the facts to speak for themselves. This dryness adds both to its authenticity and its credibility.

Unfortunately, no film is perfect. The filmmakers criticize Starbucks for not purchasing Ethiopian fair trade coffee without the context that the company is one of the few purchasers of fair trade coffee from Central and South America. While their actions can improve, they are significantly ahead of other companies with whom they compete. Also, the film displays too many scenes without the context required: "What are we seeing?" The story is an important one but more depth could have been given and a larger spotlight shone on the participants. Even with these flaws, it is a very worthwhile documentary and may give people their first glimpses into the world outside their borders.

7 out of 10: Truth is vicious when you are guarded by lies.

This is one of the best films I've seen come out of the last twenty years of Hollywood schlock.

It's a testament to the quality of the script that so many brilliant actors attached themselves to a film that cost $7.5 million to make (chump change in modern productions). Aaron Eckhart owns this movie--he is the life and soul of Nick Naylor and brings every character around him into the world. Talents such as Rob Lowe and Sam Eliot hold pivotal roles but little screen time, in the true sense of what a supporting actor is supposed to be.

Nick Naylor should be despised for his defense of an industry which deliberately addicts children and lies to the populace. But you won't. You'll love him for his honesty and intellect and the conviction that everyone deserves a defense, even tobacco companies. This is a movie which will make you think and should be discussed with other passionate, intelligent people.

9 out of 10: Proof that comedies can go toe to toe with overwrought dramatic headliners and win.

...but it only took one to write Here On Earth (2000).

PLEASE DON'T WATCH THIS MOVIE.

This movie is horrible. North Korea could use this film to torture dissidents. The acting is rigid, the dialogue predictable, the plot unoriginal but still contrived... I wouldn't watch this again if someone paid me. I'd rather slam my skull against a brick wall than watch this again. I'd rather drown in a vat of bleach than watch this again. I'd rather watch Gigli or North or anything starring Chris Farley.

This movie should have been categorized "Horror". The only thing romantic about this film is the credits. I've seen more chemistry in a jug of water. Drama is calling out dialogue before the actors do, just to see how often I can get it right, except that drama requires conflict and I just kept getting the dialogue right.

I saw a trailer for this movie and was very intrigued. While none of the actors were "stars" at the time it was made, they're all very talented and I had high hopes this would be something unique and entertain that I would tell my friends to watch.

I'd get thrown in front of a train if I recommended this to any friends. If you can't find the DVD, check a furniture store. I think they're using them as shims on the short leg of a table. Hospitals are using it to teach amputees to run.

This isn't even something that makes a fun drinking game. It's just a BAD movie. The acting is especially awful when one considers how talented many of the players are. Writer Michael Seitzman also wrote North Country, a movie I'll now be avoiding like the plague.

I think "The Plague" was a working title for Here On Earth.

This is director Mark Piznarski's only feature film, his credits including television shows, TV movies, and the sixth director for a documentary about drying paint. I wonder how he can sleep at night.

No animals were harmed in the making of this film, but many reputations were.

2 out of 10: It's. Just. Bad. Please don't watch this.