Eastwood Falters

Rating: 5/10 (11 December 2009)

Morgan Freeman and Matt Damon give standout performances in what may be Clint Eastwood's least effective film to date.
Following the story of Nelson Mandela's early presidency (Morgan Freeman in a genuine portrayal despite some trouble with the accent), and the improbable journey of South Africa's rugby team to the 1995 World Cup final, Clint Eastwood pilots an obsessively sanitized depiction of true events that feels like a big-budget, G-rated movie of the week. Matt Damon—sporting a prosthetic, tough-guy nose—is solid as team captain Francois Pienaar (and much more consistent with the accent) and forges a believable kinship with Mandela. Pienaar inspires his squad to greatness at the beaconing of a wise president who understands the power of national pride in calming political unrest.
Racial hostility is alluded to but scarcely seen with the exception of a few impolite stares and uncomfortable parings between black and white side characters. The inexcusably slow pace is further aggravated by a surprising lack of suspense or obstacles that even maintain the facade of insurmountability. What could have been a riveting, though formulaic, exercise in underdog political and athletic achievement plays more like a tribute video to a country whose growth seems inevitable.
Narrative focus seems to be the main hang-up for Eastwood, as much screen time is dedicated to a sport that few can follow without prior exposure, and too little attention paid to the complexities of Mandela himself. Drama nearly builds as Mandela's security detail meticulously prepare for the worst before each public appearance, but no assassination attempts are thwarted because none take place.
Poor sound work and opaque editing (especially during the climax) round out what time will reveal as a low point for team Eastwood. Hearing the sound of jerseys ripping at the highest volume may have sounded artsy on the page, but it pulled me out of the moment. As did the continual cutting to aerial shots of the frantic CG stadium crowd anytime a play was completed on the field. We get it Clint; this is a big movie.
Thankfully the cast is talented enough to elevate an unfortunate Eastwood misfire into a thoroughly mediocre film.