Access Atlanta > Movies > Blog > Archives > 2008 > January > 15 > Entry
In praise of Morgan Freeman
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
I like Morgan Freeman. Always have.
I am not much of a fan of “The Bucket List.” But I like Freeman in it.
I like his soothing voice. It’s comforting and commanding. It’s the kind of voice you want to follow. Which explains how in his long career, Freeman has played not only a U.S. president, but God — twice.
It’s his narration that helps sells “March of the Penguins.” And I’m very much looking forward to his portrayal as Nelson Mandela in “The Human Factor” to be directed by Clint Eastwood. “Factor” is expected in 2009.
I tolerated “Bucket List” because of Freeman. But I’d rather be watching some of his other films.
Among my favorites: “Gone Baby Gone,” “Million Dollar Baby,” “Along Came a Spider,” “Nurse Betty,” “Kiss the Girls,” “Se7en,” “The Shawshank Redemption,” “Unforgiven,” “Glory,” “Driving Miss Daisy” (he deserved the Oscar more than Jessica Tandy did), “Lean on Me” and “Street Smart.”
That’s an amazing track record.
What are some of your favorite Morgan Freeman movies? Did you like “Bucket List”?
Permalink | Comments (20) | Categories: Bob Longino
Comments
Commenting is now closed for this entry.
By Webspinner
January 15, 2008 11:21 AM | Link to this
I realized only last week that Morgan Freeman appeared in “Brubaker” (1980) with Robert Redford. He played a spaced-out convict in only one scene, and he was good, as usual. But I’d always thought “Street Smart” was his first movie. Great actor. And yes, he should have one an Oscar for “Driving Miss Daisy.”
By georgia peach
January 15, 2008 11:36 AM | Link to this
the bucket list was ok, it was SLOW, but morgan freeman and jack nicholson chemistry was really good. it wasn’t the actors inability to deliver a good movie. the movie script wasn’t good.
By ADL
January 15, 2008 12:10 PM | Link to this
I prefer his earlier work in “The Electric Company”…
By Big Daddy
January 15, 2008 12:11 PM | Link to this
You know, Morgan’s daughter, Morganna, lives here in Atlanta. She has a hair and beauty salon on Roswell Road, above Cafe 290.
By me
January 15, 2008 12:13 PM | Link to this
Morgan Freeman, by far, is my favorite actor. He has the ability to capture you from the start of watching any of his performances. However, there is the exception of the Bruce & Evan Almighty flicks… sorry, couldn’t get with those! Shawshank Redemption indeed is my standout. Not only did he convincingly portray a convict from an old-timers view, he more than helped the film by bringing out the message. Kudos Morgan, keep up the good work!
By Rick
January 15, 2008 12:34 PM | Link to this
The movie wasn’t that great… but I liked Morgan Freeman in “10 Items or Less.”
By Captain Tom
January 15, 2008 12:54 PM | Link to this
Driving Miss Daisy and Along Came A Spider were two of his best I think. I am looking forward to the Mandella story comming out in 09.
By Impossible
January 15, 2008 1:07 PM | Link to this
My favorite Morgan Freeman moments are him in Glory and him in his best, if not most important role of his career; Morgan Freeman as EASY READER ON ELECTRIC COMPANY! HEY YOU GUYS!!! Anybody remember that as a kid?
By Maria
January 15, 2008 1:43 PM | Link to this
Yeah, Morgan Freeman is one of the few actors for whom I’ll sit through a sub-par movie. He’s a very comforting presence. I confess to watching YouTube clips of him as Easy Reader on TEC when I’m having a bad day. (Easy Reader, that’s my name!)
By Magic
January 15, 2008 1:46 PM | Link to this
his talent doesn’t warrant him taking all the ‘Magic Negro’ roles, though - it will be a relief to see him playing a black guy with an edge as opposed to a sidekick or an appeaser
By Brigitte
January 15, 2008 4:00 PM | Link to this
The movie was OK… but he is a great actor and I love him for that.
By Brigitte
January 15, 2008 4:02 PM | Link to this
The movie was OK… but he is a great actor and I love him for that.
By Brigitte
January 15, 2008 4:04 PM | Link to this
The movie was OK… but he is a great actor and I love him for that.
By My opine
January 15, 2008 4:06 PM | Link to this
Morgan is the bombgan :)
By My opine
January 15, 2008 4:08 PM | Link to this
Morgam is classis and matchless….the bomb all around - boo yah!
By My opine
January 15, 2008 4:08 PM | Link to this
Morgam is classic and unmatched…the bomb all around - boo yah!
By SharonH
January 15, 2008 5:30 PM | Link to this
Beyond a shadow of a doubt: Driving Miss Daisy and Shawshank Redemption. I watch both movies solely to see his acting, he is amazing!
By Kerry
January 16, 2008 8:20 AM | Link to this
Seriously disappointed with the Bucket List. Granted, there were some funny moments, but the entire movie was just so contrived!!
Shawshank is just to die for. Makes me cry each and every time. More movies should be that good. I have to now see March of the Penguins.
By pu
January 16, 2008 8:29 AM | Link to this
Mr. Freeman’s best film work has been Shawshank Redemption which deserved him a supporting actor award. I will always remember him from the 70’s children’s television show “The Electric Company”. What an amazing voice!!
By Southern Born
January 22, 2008 2:39 PM | Link to this
Freeman is a character actor for the ages. That point was driven home for me when, in the same year, I watched his magnificent performance in “Daisy” - and then how he stole every scene from Kevin Costner in “Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves.”