Ghosts of Mississippi (1996)

Wonderfully offbeat film!

The Worst Film Ever

Great example of an old-fashioned, pure-at-heart escapist event movie that doesn't pretend to be anything that it's not and has boat loads of fun being its own ludicrous self.

It really made me laugh, but for some moments I was tearing up because I could relate so much.

Ghosts of Mississippi (1996): Dir: Rob Reiner / Cast: Whoopi Goldberg, Alec Baldwin, James Woods, Virginia Madsen, Craig T. Nelson: Sloppy drama about the racist murder trial that would resurface. Title indicates that the past will return to haunt us. In 1963 a negro is shot from behind leaving his family to watch him die. Byron De La Beckwith is arrested but is freed due to an all white jury. The victim's widow, Medgar Evers has the case reopened in 1989. Predictable outcome with narrative flaws such as the condition of the deceased within 25 years. Another issue regards a tree with bottles dangling from its limbs and the reason behind that is ludicrous. The ghosts suggested in the title are merely an expression of trials. Director Rob Reiner fails in what looks like a black version of A Few Good Men, but without the power or payoff. Fantastic makeup job on James Woods as Beckwith. The performance by Woods steals the film but doesn't save it. The man was vile and cruel in his racial hate and Woods brings that out flawlessly. Whoopi Goldberg fares okay as Evers who struggles for justice. Alec Baldwin is cardboard as her attorney who makes a case against Beckwith. Other roles aren't exactly a rise above conventions or stereotypes either. Theme regards sins that eventually resurface but the film doesn't quite deliver quite as highly as its message. Score: 5 / 10

Rob Reiner's 'Ghosts of Mississipi' is based on a relatively less known (today) reopening of Medger Evers racially motivated murder case. Starting with the flaws of the film, I can see why many would comment that this is another 'white man rescues the oppressed black people flick'. To balance this out, the director could have portrayed more of Evers's life and the significance of what he did and also developed the story of his wife who's an integral part, show more of her (and the family's) struggle. Here the focus is almost entirely on Baldwin's DeLaughter and the obstacles he faces during the trial. The film also appears to be a tad glossy.What does work, even though the story is predictable, is the level of suspense and tension which is very well maintained. You know what'll happen in the end but you still root for Delaughter to succeed every step. Alec Baldwin does a brilliant job as the lawyer who's taken by the injustice and brutality of the crime and seeks to bring justice to the family and community. Whoopi Goldberg wonderfully downplays her part. 'Wish there was more of her. Her character doesn't seem to have 'aged' in 27 years (except for the darker circles round her eyes). James Wood is great as the hateful De la Beckwith.'Ghosts of Mississipi' could have been more if only more of the late Medgar and his wife's life was included but it certainly is a watchable film that reminds one of a forgotten important event in America.

This excellent film tells the true story of a white southern prosecutor who has the courage to try to set right a gross miscarriage of justice that took place in the segregated South at the beginning of the Civil Rights movement 30 years earlier. Alec Balwin as prosecutor Bobby DeLaughter and James Woods as Brian De la Beckwith, the accused, give outstanding performances. Whoopi Goldberg shows her range as an actress portraying Myrlie Evers, widow of slain civil rights leader Medgar Evers whose murder was never solved or prosecuted. Goldberg lets the viewer know that Mrs. Evers is a woman of great dignity, strength and faith.I was a young woman during the actual events that took place in Mississippi so long ago. At the time, I must not have paid much attention because none of this story was really familiar to me. I enjoyed it so much that I bought the DVD and watch it about three times a year. I have recommended the film to social studies teachers. The story serves a springboard for teaching opportunities. The artistic quality of the film never leaves the viewer feeling bored.Really good film.

I don't know whether "Ghosts of Mississippi" was the best movie ever relating to the Civil Rights Movement, but it is quite good. Portraying the struggle to bring Medgar Evers's murderer to justice many years after the murder, the movie will remain important, just because of our country's racist legacy (I had actually never heard of Medgar Evers before this movie came out). Alec Baldwin, James Woods, Virginia Madsen, Whoopi Goldberg, Craig T. Nelson and William H. Macy all do very well in their roles (Martin Luther King Jr.'s daughter Yolanda also appears).So, while some people may say that there are so many movies like this that they all get blurred, we need to remember something: this is part of OUR history. As Americans, we have an obligation to deal with our racist past. And we should commend Rob Reiner for making one of many movies about this.