A simplistic film.

Rating: 4/10 (4 January 2008)

This is an OK film but lacks any real depth either emotionally or in terms of story telling.
The story is based on real events and this limits the amount of action to virtually none, also no real suspense.
Washington is believable in the lead but he is sleep walking through it, there is no scope to flex any acting muscles for him or the supporting cast.
The story simply falls a little flat, even having never heard of the title character the ending was obvious but unlike other films about such injustices this one has no emotional impact, you don't really care about him and the motivations of those on the outside helping seem more academic than concerned for his welfare.
There is an attempt to inject some emotion using the boy outside who hero worships Carter but this seems forced.
It's an OK film but instantly forgettable.