Terribly overrated

Rating: 4/10 (15 February 2004)

This movie falls way short of being notable even if the acting is adequate. The script and direction is highly exaggerated. Granted, I did not watch this film looking for a documentary- still this one takes it a little too far.
Specifically, Washington's character is too perfect. He exudes a cardboard presence of an army commander throughout the entire film. Worse is that he is NEVER wrong - entirely unflawed in every way. His temper is never out of control, nor his slightest words without complete omniscience. Consider his magnanimous speech at Gettysburg-wait a minute - Hasn't that been done before??
Overall I enjoyed parts of this film very much. It does not miss the mark of portraying racial inequality in America. It even manages to involve the viewer in a compelling way at times. Washington's character however is not compelling - he is annoying and that is this films undoing.
Overall rating - 4