Not as good as I expected for one reason.

Rating: 7/10 (28 April 2007)

Forrest Whittaker is superb, absolutely incredible, in the role of the title, Idi Amin, absolute ruler of Uganda. The script is so-so. The appalling massacres and brutal reign of Idi Amin are downplayed. ( I know some of the survivors and their stories just hurt your heart).
He was a dreadful, evil dictator and there is very little justice in the world when he was never made accountable for his horrendous crimes against humanity.
The scenes of Africa and the affinity Idi felt for Scotland are beautifully (and humorously) captured.
The area I had difficulty with was in the character of Dr. Nicholas Garrigan, played by James McAvoy,who has the lead for all intents and purposes, as we perceive Idi Amin through his eyes. Yes, he is cute and slightly eccentric, but I felt absolutely no emotional engagement with him and that, for me was the fatal flaw. Yes, he is swept away into the moneyed world of Amin but there is no character development to make you care one way or the other.
Even at the ending, which I won't reveal, I was left shrugging. Serious movie letdown.
7 out of 10 for Forrest. Way to go!