'Catch' some Zs

As I sat down to watch "Catch a Fire," I quickly realized as the opening credits began to roll, I would be flying this mission solo. Not a single person ever walked in, save for the occasional theater employee, and even they didn't want to stay for long. So as I watched the movie and struggled to stay awake during a film that is supposed to be so powerful and exciting, I wondered to myself why nobody would want to see it. \n"Catch a Fire" is probably one of the most boring experiences I've had in a theater this year. Despite a lean 101-minute running time, "Fire" drags on and on without much hope. It is the true story of Patrick Chamusso, a man living in 1980's Apartheid South Africa, who would become a revolutionary after he could no longer tolerate the segregation and abuse his fellow countrymen endured, let alone himself. He joins up with the anti-Apartheid rebellion, led by Joe Slovo, and accepts a life of secrecy to save his country. \nConsidering the still living Chamusso aided in the film's production and the script is written by Slovo's daughter, Shawn Slovo, perhaps I expected too much out of "Fire." The film being directed by Phillip Noyce should've been the first warning signal. All Noyce does is make boring political thrillers, such as "Patriot Games" and "Clear and Present Danger." Granted, I like the work of Tom Clancy. But I'd rather play video games based on his books than watch movies about them. The moments of heightened action, whether it's a raid by the military or a bombing run on a power plant, are reduced to such a short time span that you could miss them if you blinked. \nChamusso is played by Derek Luke, who so far has had a mildly rewarding career, getting his debut in "Antwone Fisher," sporting flicks like "Friday Night Lights" and "Glory Road" and, of course, "Biker Boyz." He simply seems too underwhelming, and while actors with meatier chops such as Don Cheadle or Djimon Hounsou would surely give strong performances, they are unfortunately too old for the part. \nThe only impressive member of the cast is Tim Robbins, who captures an authentic Afrikaans accent while maintaining his vileness from a distance. He's the kind of official who has his minions beat a man to pulp, then he comes in and tries to gain your trust by condemning his men's actions and handing you a cool glass of water, all the while plotting his interrogation tactics. \nPerhaps it's the subject of Apartheid that seems dated. The influence of Nelson Mandela is reduced to the fraction of a second, where a film about Mandela would surely be more fascinating. \nThe political power that a film can carry is always impressive. When one hears of all the current turmoil in Africa, whether it be famine, the AIDS epidemic, or most importantly the genocide in Darfur, a filmmaker should attempt to tackle current issues as to bring more awareness. "Hotel Rwanda" is a great example, and certainly one that "Catch a Fire" should've taken note of. Unfortunately, "Fire" feels more like a boring history lesson than a call to arms.