From Deseret News archives:
Amazing Grace
Film review
In terms of performances, "Amazing Grace" is more wasteful than graceful. This fact-based historical drama uses venerable actors Albert Finney and Michael Gambon only part of the time, while it gives the lion's share of the work to the considerably less interesting, younger actors Ioan Gruffudd and Romola Garai.
It's clear that the filmmakers believe a movie about political debate has to have a lot of speechifying. Consequently, it's so talky that it gradually loses our interest, which is a real shame.
Still, the powerful subject matter which deals with the African slave trade may be enough to make the film worthwhile for some audiences.
Gruffudd ("Fantastic Four") stars as William Wilberforce, the son of a merchant who became a mover-and-shaker in the British Parliament, where he served from 1780-1825.
In this version of events, the idealistic young politician seeks to have slavery abolished, but he encounters fierce opposition from his fellow lords and others.
The approach taken by veteran director Michael Apted and screenwriter Steven Knight ("Dirty Pretty Things") makes this promising material less interesting than it should be. One scene of parliamentary arguing is fine. Two are all right. More than that is pushing it.
It doesn't help that Gruffudd isn't fiery enough to be convincing as Wilberforce. That's why seasoned pros such as Gambon, Finney and Ciaran Hinds are welcome that is, when they're given screentime. (And Rufus Sewell is fine, despite the ridiculous hair he's forced to wear.)
Also, the obligatory romance subplot really drags things down. Garai ("Scoop") is a dull presence at best.
"Amazing Grace" is rated PG for scenes of violence (including an act of animal cruelty), racial slurs and mild language (religious profanity and crudity) and brief drug content (use of medicines). Running time: 118 minutes.
E-mail: jeff@desnews.com
Comments
Cast: Ioan Gruffudd, Richard Bailey, Alex Blake, Sean Bloc, Stephen Campbell Moore, Robert Roy Collins, Benedict Cumberbatch, Martin Nigel Davey, Nicholas Day, Jazz Dhiman
Find a Movie Theater
- Two American pilots die in Iraq 12:47 a.m.
- Murder suspect is vetran, avid skier 12:47 a.m.
- MLB: Zambrano's mom kidnapped 12:32 a.m.
- Lambert surprisingly tops news 12:25 a.m.
- Philadelphia transit strike ends 12:25 a.m.
- TCU 4th in AP poll; U. 16th, Y. 22nd 12:24 a.m.
- 12 high schools ready for 'The Turf' 12:17 a.m.
- RSL unfazed by conference final 12:17 a.m.
- Korver and Miles to be evaluated 12:17 a.m.
- Today on TV 12:13 a.m.
- Gay advocates trek to LDS office
216 - House passes health care bill
201 - Lobo suspended
173 - Cougars crush hapless Cowboys
151 - Utah Jazz fall apart against Kings
129 - RSL rallies to advance
103 - Thousands protest health bill
102 - Provo company innovating engines
101 - Utes pound winless Lobos
89 - BYU cuts Women's Research Institute
88
STOP blaming the Democrats, BLAME THE REPUBLICANS FOR 8 YEARS DOING NOTHING...
The best way to break the law is to become someone who enforces the law.
It's a real shame so many folks have never gotten out and gotten to know the...
It's all talk... you do not have any evidence for your claims. You assume...
Maybe if you could bat .408 in the major leagues, you too would be paid a...
I prefer the “Wizard of Earthsea” quartet by Ursula Le Guin, an...
The bottom line question that no one can possibly answer is; what will be the...
It looks to me like special treatment.
Jazz will have a tough week, with what should be a easy win against the...
I am very excited for this game. As much as I want the Utes to win, it won't...





You can be the first to comment on this story.