Hereafter

Starring: Matt Damon

Directed and Produced by: Clint Eastwood

Release Date: 10/22/10

Cry Factor: Definitely cried during this one

Laugh Factor: Near the end, yes

WTF Factor: At times, yes, but it comes together in the end

Never has there been a movie I've had so many mixed feelings about. The character development in this film was intense and very well done, but the ending left something to desired.

Yet another European-esque film from Damon (Bourne trilogy, anyone?), when he touches people, he can read them and see things in them. Past things, dark things, passed people who want to communicate with them, you name it. A psychic, basically. Three stories are told in the film though: one of a TV celebrity in France who has a brush with death in a massive tsunami, a pair of twin boys in London who experience a tragic accident, and Damon's psychic abilities. Damon's story isn't the first you see, either, which felt strange. It was like if you don't see the host of SNL in their first sketch. You have to work throughout the film to see how these three stories are connected, or just accept the fact that you'll have to wait to find out. But the ending brings the three together nicely.

The emotions this movie has the power to evoke are extremely strong ones, especially empathy for Damon, who leads a lonely life, eating dinner by himself many a night because of his gift/curse that essentially prohibits him from leading a normal life, one would expect with relationships like a wife or girlfriend and/or children. Emotions ran extremely high and strong when I was watching the twin boys in London story. I'd have to say their part of the film was where I cried the most. The tsunami in the beginning of the film was crazily realistic, even though it was clearly CGIed. And the visions of the afterlife portrayed in the film are what I think we all envision: blurry, yet clear and insanely vivid.

I was thoroughly surprised to see that Clint Eastwood directed and produced this film. I suppose I haven't seen too many Eastwood films to compare, but when I think Clint Eastwood, I just think of westerns and Gran Torino (a film I'd be remiss if I didn't recommend right now; SEE IT).

As for the ending, you're left feeling happy, but in a kind of WTF way. For a movie that had such an exceedingly complex foundation and base, the ending was surprisingly simple. It is what left me with such mixed feelings. I was glad Damon could finally find happiness (I'm not telling you how :]), it just seemed achingly simple. I would still have to say that I liked the film, though.

If you're one for thinking movies, give this one a try.

3 stars.