Quite why Spielberg felt he was the man to bring Alice Walker's tale of a
black woman's struggle to the screen is anyone's guess. He does paint a
wonderful canvas - too wonderful, for his brand of sentimentalising
sheen detracts from the poignant plot and Whoopi Goldberg's
sensitive, complex portrayal. The film is affecting, but it feels like
Spielberg is trying too hard to push all the right buttons. A great story
told in a misjudged fashion.
