Preview: Invictus (2009)

Synopsis:

An up-and-coming football star becomes the inspiration of a nation when newly-elected president Nelson Mandela pushes him towards winning the World Cup for South Africa in order to establish and cement national pride during a difficult historical period.

• Poster: B

Review:

I like how Matt Damon and the World Cup are placed in shadow supporting Morgan Freeman's Nelson Mandela. It's not the most exciting poster, but it's more inventive than most other recent ads.

• Trailer: B-

Review:

It seems a lot more interesting on paper than this trailer visualizes. There's an inspirational quality to the trailer that seems intent on drawing in audiences but minimizes the thorny political issues of the time which are likely more prominent in the actual film itself.

Oscar Prospects:

There is little question that this film is poised perfectly for the Oscars. Clint Eastwood failed with Gran Torino, but with Morgan Freeman and Matt Damon in tow, Invictus is very likely to earn several top tier nominations and continue Eastwood's late-career renaissance.

Release Date:

• December 11, 2009

Full Review Synopsis:

While an admirable exercise in by-the-book filmmaking, it nevertheless lacks emotional depth.

• Full Review: Invictus

-Wesley Lovell (November 1, 2009) Original

-Wesley Lovell (April 4, 2010) Added Review Link