PeeJay

This Western-style movie by Eastwood shows that Eastwood still is a master in portraying Western-characters. Even more he knows how to create the classic-western feeling even when his plot and story are up to modern standards. He builds up his character carefully, till the glorious moment which in fact means also his downfall from the standards and moral he has set for himself. A good performance by Morgan Freeman, the most sympathetic character in this movie, and a violent and annoying as almost always Gene Hackman combined with a appearance of Richard Harris give the movie a strong foundation when it comes to acting-talents. The main disappointment is the predictability and simplicity of the story. In fact the story is not much more than a background to the character-development of Eastwood and thus falls a bit short of a 5-star or even a 4-star movie, in my opinion. Nonetheless a movie worth watching for Eastwood fans.

This is the shocking story of the genocide that took place in Rwanda in 1994 - while the whole world was watching. It is not only a black page in Rwanda's history but because of modern internationalization and media a black page in the history of mankind. One becomes aware of the worthlessness of life and the price that is paid for the colonization of Africa and its consequences. This film is a statement in itself, and remembers us of so many mass murders in recent ages. The superb acting by Don Cheadle who acts like a hero, but a very good cast overall support the story and message. Equally good is the storyline and involvement with the characters. This combined with the fact that violence is always on the background, but only seldom on the foreground (although there are some violent scenes, mainly the results are shown) makes this movie not a vampire movie... This movie should be in history lessons everywhere... with the full background story. But I'm afraid the words of Jack (Joaquim Phoenix) will also apply here: I think if people see this footage they'll say, "Oh my God, that's horrible," and then go on eating their dinners. (pause) What the Hell do I know?

Disappointing Henson production. Not only does this movie lack story, character development, and tension it also misses Henson creativity and above all humor. No drama, no laughs and very little excitement make this movie too long and seem like going on forever. Basically the story is too predictable and almost by necessity develops according to very predictable lines and characters. Although the beginning of the movie gives opportunities, somehow it seems that the director and/or scriptwriters did not know how to build this into a good movie. For me the worst Henson production I saw. Only some of the actors save the movie from becoming a complete bore although Hustons role is below her skills and Atkinsons role is too boring to be really interesting or humorous.