Does it deserve all the praise?

Rating: 4/10 (28 June 2005)

Grand old man Clint Eastwood is highly respected. Its nice to see that he finds time to do unusual films (by Hollywood standards) as he is most definitely talented. But seriously, just because its slow paced, it doesn't mean that it is a masterpiece. The story is full of clichés and underwritten characters. It also has a voice-over by Morgan Freeman, that was really the only thing needed to be given credibility, the same case as with 'Shawshank Redemption'. In my opinion its annoying in the same measure.
Sure, Clint, Morgan Freeman and Hillary Swank are great actors, and they all do good roles of what they're given. I was quite impressed by the physical development of Swank in fact. And Clint is a capable director.
The storyline absolutely had the ability to move me, but for the most of the time it dragged.
Look outside of Hollywood to find real great post 2k cinema.