Uninspired

Rating: 5/10 (28 August 2005)

What was this movie supposed to accomplish? Clint Eastwood's character seems too familiar--cardboard familiar. Morgan Freeman's just being himself: it's like they were both chosen because they wouldn't have to work hard at the roles.
The fact that Swank's character faces paralysis can't possibly be considered a spoiler now, and I went into the movie knowing the ending. But it just didn't ring true--The turn from achiever to victim feels false; if she stoutly pursued a generally unachievable dream with such ardent fervor, why the sudden collapse? It's as if her whole inner strength is just a facade, and the movie doesn't do a good job of reconciling them.
It's an interesting morality play, but without a compelling message.