Hereafter - 2010

Hereafter follows three separate stories from three entirely different parts of the world that end up converging in the end. I am not wrecking any plot-points as you don't have to be a cinematic genius to figure this out early on in the film.

Matt Damon plays George, a "regular" guy working a blue collar job in San Francisco. He was once a famous medium similar to James Van Praagh. He put it behind him because even though many felt he had a genuine gift he viewed it as more of a curse. George's story follows him through his life trying to be an average Joe while his psychic destiny seems to be pulling him back into the world of the paranormal.

Cecile de France (what a great name for a French actress) portrays a French journalist who has worked her way to the top of her field. The beginning of the movie shows her vacationing but soon she is swept away in a tragedy that changes her forever.

The third story line follows a set of twins (played by George and Frankie McLaren) in London. They live with their single mother who has dependency problems and the boys seem to be the parents of their mother as they fight to keep their family together despite their mother's problems and social services trying to intervene.

The film is directed by Clint Eastwood. Many of Eastwood's films (as a director) are more thought-provoking than action-packed as is the case with Hereafter. The movie follows the three stories separately and we see how the main characters all become connected to the "other side." All three of the stories are very interesting but other than the opening sequence the film does seem to drag at times. If you are into character-drama (development) you will enjoy these compelling characters because you begin to relate to them and want to follow their quests for happiness. The opening scene was brilliantly filmed and had a part that actually made me gasp out loud; I was not the only one in the theater to do so. The ending is fairly predictable but it is heart-warming nonetheless.

The movie is worth watching but I think I would wait until it is available on Netflix or DVD. The subtitles of the French scenes and some of the quiet dialog make it so the film would be better served without the distractions of a crowded theater plus if you have to take a bathroom break you can pause the movie. The photography in France, London and San Francisco is all beautifully filmed so you feel as though you are there. This Clint Eastwood guy seems to have a certain film-sense.

Sugar Momma and I both liked the film and I give it 3 1/2 stars. I just checked on Netflix and you can already "save" it for when it is released and coincidentally (really) it is currently rated at 3 1/2 stars - I am the average film-goer I guess.