Hereafter [Blu-ray]

There are several references to Charles Dickens in "Hereafter," appropriate because Dickens' work has been criticized for being non-philosophical and overly sentimental.Some critics have written similar things about this movie, saying that it doesn't explore the topic of the afterlife deeply enough, doesn't provide any answers, is mawkish, and doesn't have a stunning finale.Baloney. Ignore the cynical, condescending critics and enjoy a great film.Clint Eastwood, in his 80's, has undoubtedly been thinking about mortality, but rather than slamming us over the head with some kind of psychic thriller, he gives us a thoughtful, beautifully scripted film that deals with its subject in an even-handed and straightforward way. Yes, it's emotional, sometimes sad, but it will keep you watching.The final act, which takes place in London, is perfect. It's not too coincidental to seem contrived. Rather, it gently reminds us that frequently, things happen for a reason. All is not random chaos.Don't miss it. You might need a couple of tissues.By the way, just to show moviegoers that he hasn't lost his cojones, Eastwood gives us an incredible tsunami disaster scene in the first five minutes. I have no idea how much of it is CGI, but it's astonishing to watch. It's like he's saying, "OK, you got your thrills, folks. Now, settle down and pay attention."Great filmmaking.

If you want to see how power of instant falling in love, intention and desired manifestation can overcome seemingly impossible, you have to see this Clint Eastwood's masterpiece about near death experience, communication with departed physically dead people and psychic possibilities with Matt Damon and lovely Cecile de France all way to the end...

This is a riveting movie that will give you chills. Three lives intersect in this drama that is only supernatural enough to the point of feeling very real instead of the often overdone scenarios of so many of its predecessors. Matt Damon does an excellent job as the psychic who considers his gift a curse while Jay Mohr plays his brother who believes he has a duty to use his gifts for people and well, profit as well, of course. Cecile De France plays a French journalist who survives a tsunami and decides to change the path of her career to find out some will be supportive while many will not. Frankie McLaren and George McLaren portray twin boys, one who is killed in an accident, leaving the other brother to deal with his loss. This is another Eastwood venture out of the norm and I am very impressed with this story which calls into question the viewer's own belief without seeming preachy or forced. Really enjoyed this one. Give it a try today!

This is a fascinating film acted to perfection. Somehow we have come to expect these things from Clint Eastwood, who has certainly had one of the more fascinating film careers ever. Do we remember "The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly" and the other Italian westerns?I think Eastwood simply took a gamble with this film "Hereafter." He had an excellent screenplay which cried out to be made, so he just went and made a film. Like almost everything he touches, the acting in the film was golden.He may even have had the idea that we need to think a bit more about "the hereafter" -- about life after death. There are, after all, hundreds of people who have had Near-Death Experiences (NDEs), and yet no one seems at all comfortable discussing these things.

Something different from Clint Eastwood as a director. A heart rending story from Peter Morgan, produced by Steve Spielberg with impressive actors such as Matt Damon and Bryce Dallas Howard. Even though Damon's acting was a little stiff or seemed 'over acted' at some points, he was still able to pull off the part of a troubled George Lonegan. Howards part seemed minimal and I believed the audience would have liked a little more on her backstory with maybe an extended relationship with George, before disappearing from the screen entirely. It was Cécile de France with her superb acting and the ability to help me 'suspend my disbelief' that made this movie an empathetic rollercoaster ride with a little help from the McLaren boys.

If you believe, as I do, that there is an afterlife and that the major events that happen to you on this earth happen for a reason, you will love this movie. If you don't, you will be disappointed that the two main adult characters do not meet until the end of the movie. This is not a traditional love story. It is a gentle story about grief and loss, about coming to terms with oneself and accepting one's gifts, and about discovering and uncovering a new way of looking at the world. I was surprised that it was directed by Clint Eastwood, since I don't think of him as particularly sensitive to these subjects, but he is a terrific director and does a terrific job here. The acting is all first-rate. This is a rare movie that treats the paranormal as something other than a source of terror. I recommend it highly.

I tuned into this on cable just after it started one night and couldn't believe how cool this flick was. Damon was excellent as well as all the actors and the story was very good. I love me some good action and sci-fi but alternate views of death and life that don't involve evil, dominating aliens and rulers that just want to kill and destroy are a nice change of pace. To see Clint Eastwoods name at the end blew me away. Never judge a book by it's cover, read or see for yourself first.

I'm a big Matt Damon fan (who isn't?) and he shines in this with such an understated but strong portrayal of a reluctant psychic who can see into the "hereafter" and receive messages for people. The lovely French actress, Cecile de France is excellent, too. Well, actually all the acting was very good. The scenes of the Indonesian Tsunami are amazing. You feel as if you are there. I watch this movie, over and over, and every time I see it I see something new and it leaves me with such positive feelings. Very well done, Mr. Eastwood.

Four stars, I like it. I love some of Clint Eastwood's movies but this one is just a good steady like.Matt Damon plays this character very well.The film comes together just nicely as it goes along.I've watched it twice now.It improves with a second look.First time I saw it, a few years ago, I wasn't too sure about watching it again.I was wrong, it gets better with a second look.First time I think I was expecting something that just wasn't there.This time, I saw it for what it is, and it is in my humble opinion a good movie.Clint Eastwood is just such an immense film maker.Long may he continue.

Yes, it's OK. A little slow in places but as usual Matt Damon does his best and brings to the viewer the depths of character he portrays. I'm not going to reveal the story line because it will definitely spoil things. So, would I recommend it? Yes, I feel it deserves a Sunday night watch, curled up on the sofa with box of tissues and chocolates!

A good storyline but sometimes let down by the dialogue.Good pace and location choices.

Interesting movie about what happens at death. It looks at the experiences of 3 people who are fascinated by life after death and the movie explores this theme very well. Makes it seem almost real but this is a movie and in the end none of us know what happens when we die.

A typical Clint Eastwood directed movie, dark with amazing cinematography that is Eastwood's trade mark. The cast are perfect and the movie is mysterious as are many of Eastwood's movies. A must for Eastwood and Matt Damon fans.