Flawed, but powerful

Rating: 6/10 (5 August 2007)

Spielberg's worst
Pros: The powerful performances by the entire cast. Djimon Hounsou gives powerful emotion. Matthew McConaghuey would seem miscast, but he does a great job. He reminds of Tom Cruise at times. Anthony Hopkins is an absolute scene-stealer. He plays his role with the right amount of seniority, intelligence, and humbleness. Morgan Freeman is the weak link and is nothing more that a place holder. The visuals are stunning as they always are in a Spielberg film. Great cinematography, editing, and production design. The highlights of the film are the battle scenes, the slave capture, and the journey through the Middle Passage. Spielberg is master of re-creation and he doesn't disappoint here.
Cons: Except for the 1st scene, the 1st hour is very boring, and the first act and a half seems very jumbled together. The speeches delivered by anyone except Hounsou, McConaghuey, or Hopkins are boring. The ending last hour tightens everything up, but the aftertaste of the beginning is still there.
Overall: Flawed, but powerful