Eric Iberri
Staff Writer

Samuel L. Jackson and Julianne Moore star in “Freedomland,” an excruciatingly mediocre film directed by Joe Roth.

This is Roth’s sixth film as director, and while not as bad as his recent “Christmas with the Kranks,” don’t expect “Freedomland” to be nominated for any Oscars.

Jackson, who was nominated for an Oscar in 1995 for his supporting role in “Pulp Fiction,” plays special investigator Lorenzo Council.

His performance in “Freedomland” is average and does not have the flare of some of his other roles.

Signs of Jackson’s aging are apparent here; he has gained some weight around the waist and sports gray facial hair.

Moore, who has been nominated for four Oscars in her career, plays Brenda Martin. She’s the victim of a carjacking in the projects; the only catch is that her 4-year-old son is in the back seat of the car.

Moore’s performance is stunted by the character she plays.

Brenda is a former addict who has trouble revealing any helpful information about the carjacking.

Her sanity is also in question throughout the film.

Early in the film, a race war builds between the black neighborhood where the carjacking occurs and the predominantly white police department handling the case.

As the film progresses, this race war grows and takes the focus away from the carjacking. It is hard to tell if the film is about Brenda and the outcome of the carjacking, or if the film is about the growing racial tension.

Bad dialogue and strange character behavior also detract from the film. In one scene, Lorenzo and Brenda come close to kissing.

After this scene, there is none other that expands on any romantic relationship between the characters.

At the end of the film, Brenda opens up to Lorenzo and expresses her love for the way he talks to her.

This scene seems very out-of-place after so many scenes where Brenda goes crazy while talking to Lorenzo.

The film’s direction is confusing as it addresses different themes.

The carjacking case unravels as the film progresses, in the style of a crime-mystery.

It tries to address social issues like police mistreating minorities and stereotyping.

The film also briefly examines parenting issues, using Jackson and Moore’s characters as examples.

The film does not break any ground nor does it present any of the issues in a new way. The film fails to thrill and challenge viewers.

Moviegoers looking for suspense can do better with films like “Munich” and “Capote,” which are still being shown at some theaters.

“Freedomland” leaves a lot of unanswered questions, but does anyone care? Who is the father of Brenda’s child? Is she involved with another man? The behavior of the police department also raises many questions, but racism seems to be the easy answer.

With “The Pink Panther” leading box offices this weekend, “Freedomland” might look like Oscar-material in comparison, but don’t be fooled.
While it’s not the worst film this year, it is far from worth the $8.50. Wait to rent it from your local 99 cent DVD store unless you really have nothing better to do on a Friday night.

“Freedomland” gets a C for trying hard and falling flat on its face.

Eric Iberri can be reached at eiberri@ulv.edu.