The Good Lie - B

Rated PG-13, 108 minutes
Wes's Grade: B

Reese Witherspoon

"The Good Lie" is a fact-based drama about the Lost Boys of Sudan, who immigrated to the U.S. after being orphaned during their country's brutal civil war from 1983-2005. Heartfelt and well-acted, "The Good Lie" isn't an emotional powerhouse and it falters somewhat down the stretch, but overall it's an effective portrait of those who had to start over in a new country. Sudanese refugees Mamere (Arnold Oceng), Paul (Emmanuel Jal) and Jeremiah (Ger Duany)  who are given the chance to resettle in America, arrive in Kansas City, Missouri, where their encounter with employment agency counselor (Reese Witherspoon) forever changes all of their lives. Directed by Philippe Falardeau ("Monsieur Lazhar") and written by Emmy-nominated writer Margaret Nagle, who also co-wrote a documentary called "The Lost Boys of Sudan," "The Good Lie" is a touching drama loosely inspired by the stories of those refugees who were orphaned and started a new life by immigrating to the U.S. Though she headlines the film (perhaps used as a box-office draw for the movie), it's not really Witherspoon's movie - and though she is solid as always - her role is a supporting one, onscreen only for about 40 minutes of the film. On that note, the most memorable performances are the natural, unaffected ones from trio the unknown Sudanese actors who are the focus of the film, as well as Kuoth Wiel, an actual Sudanese refugee. The first act of the movie, focusing on the brutal Sudanese civil war, is difficult to watch but well-handled given the subject matter, and it becomes a little lighter as the men adjust to the new life in the States. The last act of the film is a little more uneven and the ending in particular doesn't seem to fit in with the rest of the film, lacking some emotional gravitas and poignancy, but on the whole, "The Good Lie" is satisfying and still works because of the likability of the actors and the appeal of the story, which has some affecting, humorous and quietly moving moments along the way.