Reel Paradise

Whatever their intentions might have been, they come off like ugly Americans, especially John, who for all his lip service seems to show little interest in the Fijians. However, the movie itself is pretty good. In typical Steve James fashion, a simple premise becomes quite multi-faceted, and the film explores the power of cinema, the native culture, parenting, religion, imperialism, crime, and more. It's a compelling story, not quite as much so as Hoop Dreams or Stevie, but very watchable.

The only members of the family with any redeeming qualities were the mother and son. How about trying to fit in a little, or otherwise NOT being a typical American prick?!

Steve James' genius captures whatever real human drama there is to be had in this story and keeps it from being a complete loss. John Pierson is a moron.

"May be screened in film courses as an example of how the Guru of Independent Film came to bow before the altar of Hollywood blockbusters." - Ed Gonzalez