Review of Catch a Fire (2006) by Walter M — 07 Nov 2006

[font=Century Gothic]"Catch a Fire" takes place in 1980 when Patrick Chamusso(Derek Luke) is a black South African working as a foreman in a Transvaal oil refinery. He is the father of two children, husband to Precious(Bonnie Henna) and the coach of the local boys' soccer team. He is away for a playoff game when an explosion rocks the refinery where he works. Patrick is arrested by the police, headed by the white detective Nic Vos(Tim Robbins), who suspects him of the bombing due to a shaky alibi, not helped out by visiting another woman at the time. His interrogation and incarceration changes this formerly apolitical family man forever...[/font].

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[font=Century Gothic]Based on a true story, "Catch a Fire" is a well-paced political thriller that starts slowly and climaxes well. But it fades badly with an epilogue that is simply looking around for billboard space to rent. Still, the acting is first-rate, especially Tim Robbins, giving one of his best performances.[/font].

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[font=Century Gothic]The movie takes a superficial view at the politics at the time and does not delve into the reasons why there was resistance. For example, little oppression is shown that is not connected to the bombings.(One might conclude that the movie is saying that there would be no police crackdown if everybody just kept their heads down and avoided politics altogether.) It is interesting to note that Chamusso and Vos both act to defend their families, but find totally different ways to do so.[/font].