Invictus - B-

In theaters. Rated PG, 134 minutes. Trailer.

Sports and politics can come together to make a great and powerful film. Director Clint Eastwood tries to do this with the story of South Africa's journey through the 1995 rugby World Cup and the involvement of famed South African president Nelson Mandela. The film begins with Mandela's election after his release from prison and the end of apartheid. His election has empowered the black majority and produced anxiety for the white elite minority. All of this sounds great, but, unfortunately the film turns into a simpleton's tale of racial harmony and turning the other cheek. Click below for more on an overly complicated episode of Diff'rent Strokes:

Immediately upon assuming the presidency, Mandela begins to try and embrace the whites and counsel the blacks away from retribution. His goal is a diverse and vibrant country and he is in constant pursuit of things to further the goal. He seizes upon the South African national rugby team, the Springboks, to provide a way of bring the country together. Traditionally the blacks have always rooted against the Springboks because they symbolized Apartheid and the whites have idolized the Springboks.

Mandela embraces the Springboks and their captain Francois (Matt Damon) when he could have had the whole team scrapped. The film follows his struggle to bring the country together around the rugby team's journey through the World Cup. Francois balances his growing understanding and reverence of Mandela's character with his family and teammates' rejection of his leadership.

The main portion of the story is probably a strong B, but the side stories and musical choices are embarassing. The security detail is straight out of a 80's message sitcom and the music regularly hijacks the tone - the patented Eastwood 'smooth jazz' soundtrack is all over the place and one song in particular named......wait for it......"Colorblind". Please listen to it at least until the 55 second mark to really feel how bad it is.

Freeman and Damon are both superb in their roles and the film could've been much better if only Clint had focused on their relationship. The film is tedious at times and the rugby scenes go on and on and on. I cannot understand the critical acclaim being thrown at this film - it is on par with the Blind Side for a lack of nuance.

Skip it.