Everything it's cracked up to be

Rating: 9/10 (25 May 2006)

I hate to be one of those people who just does something because everyone else said it was good ( I wouldn't buy Dan Brown's Da Vinci Code if I wasn't one of these people), but fortunately I was like that with regards to seeing this film. I have no doubt that i would have seen it eventually, but i mainly wanted to see it because it won the Oscar, and how deserving. Paul Haggis (writer of Million Dollar Baby) is at it again with this film, which is once again a triumph.
The script is a rich tapestry, gracefully weaving through a range of human emotions. There are several significant characters, most switching between being god guys and bad guys at some point, and Haggis manages these emotions with expertise, knowing exactly when to introduce the next piece of action in each character's story.
Every performance is solid, with a standout performance from Terence Howard, who epitomises good acting, and judging by this (without seeing Hustle and Flow), he probably deserved his best actor nomination at the 2006 Oscars. Honourable mention to Chris 'Ludacris' Bridges, who turns in a great performance, and a big 'thumbs up' to whoever cast him in the role, his fast talking rap skills were perfect for the role.
The picture was very deserving of the Best Picture Oscar, and I wait in anticipation for Paul Haggis' next effort