Morgan freeman was born to play this role!!

Rating: 7/10 (1 March 2010)

I saw Invictus with a huge expectation resulting from the cast and the director's legacy; and also to admit the promos looked excellent. But the movie was somewhat disappointing. Apart from Morgan freeman, there was noting to remember after the end. And a large part of the damage was done by the lousy acting by Matt Damon. The straight face and emotionless acting by damon made the movie somewhat confusing – was it a sports movie or a movie about leadership and political up-lift? Matt was himself confused and maybe he decided to play without much thought like a junior high kid with no character in his role as a national captain of a sports team where racism made the sport a binding thread. Matt damon was like a kid who had to be held by the finger (by freeman) to even speak on behalf of the team. His character too should have portrayed leadership but it was more of a supporting actor kind of a role – that too royally screwed by his acting (he should continue to be bourne and nothing else).
To its backing, Invictus had a great story and a wonderful cast to do justice to the theme. Clint Eastwood used all his experience from million dollar baby for this genre (can't term either as a sports film though) and did a great job. These political dramas and real life stories may go haywire if not projected with the touch of class as required; especially in this case to match the aura of Mandela. A great script was there for the taking where a black leader uses the game to unite a country – the 'proteas' and the 'rainbow nation' theme and the production house has to a large extent done justice to it.
Morgan freeman – the light at the end of the tunnel was the one factor due to which this movie has soul. What a class act by the great actor. There are innumerable occurrences where he has played supporting roles; with a touch of class; but even he knew he was born for this one! (A wise investment considering he co-produced this film). The panache, with which he delivers 'Madiba', would probably be bettered; and even he would find it tough; only by Mandela himself.
Being a sports theme movie, the weightage to rugby was not given to the extent required, and it was all freeman's performance 'supported' with rugby. So at the end, you remember only the character and grandness of Freeman and nothing else.
Morgan freeman + Clint Eastwood + (racism / national pride / sports) = Blockbuster Hit
Morgan freeman + Clint Eastwood + (racism / national pride / sports) + Matt Damon = Average Hit
7/10 (5/10 for the movie + 2/10 for freeman)