Samuel L. Jackson Breathes Life Into 'Freedomland'

Feb. 17, 2006 — -- Not only have movies gone to the dogs -- the dogs have gone to Antarctica. "Eight Below" is another beautiful film set at the South Pole. Think "March of the Penguins," only with kibbles and bits.

On a mission to aid a geology professor, two Antarctic explorers get caught in a brutal storm and are forced to leave their team of sled dogs behind and fend for their survival. Based on a true story, this starkly beautiful action-adventure also happens to be a family-friendly film, though not for very young kids.

Maybe it's a bit too anthropomorphic. But there's one thing I can promise you: There won't be a dry eye in the house. Grade: B-

"Freedomland" is based on a best-selling novel about the racial firestorm that erupts when a white child goes missing in a black housing project. But this film is about the acting -- Samuel L. Jackson and Julianne Moore deliver incredible riveting performances.

What a scene this is: Early in this tightly shot movie, you feel the tension as Jackson, a local detective, interrogates Moore after a carjacking. As he's questioning her, he has an asthma attack … and I couldn't catch my breath.

For 15 years, Samuel L. Jackson has been one of film's finest actors, and this is some of the best work he's ever done. You won't even recognize Moore or Edie Falco. That's how into their characters they are, and how much of a risk they've taken. Grade: B.