8/10

If you are looking for the feel good warm hearted story of the year, look no further than the newest film from Director Shawn Linden. Three brothers who fought to survive the Sudaneese attacks were known simply as “The Lost Boys.” Orphaned by the brutal Civil war in Sudan that began in 1983, these young victims traveled as many as a thousand miles on foot in search of safety. Fifteen years later, a humanitarian effort would bring 3600 lost boys and girls to America. These young men were given a reset button for a life of violence and hunger day after day. “The Good Lie” felt like it would be another cliche heartstrings movie like 2009’s “The Blind Side”. Where it succeeds differently is the in depth detailing of the backstory for this village in Sudan that was always on the run from these soldiers gunning down their homes. That detailing is what i really loved about this story the most. For the better part of the first 35 minutes, it’s all about their journey to America where most movies would cut a quick 5-10 minute opening to give the viewer just enough of this life before the cutesy moments with American culture. Linden makes sure the viewer knows exactly what these boys have been through, and gives time for that story before showing our main character (Played by Reese Witherspoon). Witherspoon is fantastic in this role, and feels more invested into these characters than Bullock did in 2009. Her character changes rapidly because she learns of conditions in their home country, and the unbearable task of living in a culture they know absolutely nothing about. Her best moments shine as a mentor to these boys that she met by a twist of fate. The script is beautifully constructed without ever feeling too cheesy. It’s clear that a film like this is all about those moments when you rely on family to get through anything, but the film lets these men develop their own personalities by giving them their own traits that make them tick. I was emotionally invested into their story not just for the handicaps they faced in America, but because no character felt bigger than the other. These are three brothers who are given meaningful camera time, and that’s the only way to do it. If i had one lone problem in this film, it was the obvious foreshadowing of future events. I would’ve preferred some scenes to be cut so the end result doesn’t feel so easily predictable. If i were suprised more without being clubbed over the head by obvious unsubtle spots, then i could’ve easily seen this as one of the best films of 2014. With that said, “The Good Lie” will warm even the coldest of hearts in a blizzard of Winter. Witherspoon is the Hollywood star of the film, but the movie’s shimmer comes from three actors new to the big screen (Arnold Oceng, Ger Duany, Emmanuel Jai). Come for the memorable story complete with heart racing visuals, and stay for the authentic performances from three male leads whose scars tell the story of the hell these real life refugees endured day after day. “The Good Lie” will stay with you long after the credits roll, and that isn’t no lie