Everybody's a critic - 'Hotel Rwanda'

Four stars (out of four)

This movie is rated PG-13, but its artistry isn't defined by the ratings nor does it require it to sell. Never has a movie been so haunting and brutally honest about the violence that occurred, nor so terrifying that it leaves you defenseless to the atrocities of the massacre of millions of people in a time worse than World War II's Holocaust.

This movie takes place 10 years ago, and it's based on a true story about two ethnic groups in Africa, the Hutus and the Tutsis, and the bravery of one man -- Paul Rusesabagina, played by Don Cheadle.

You can't help but be thankful for your freedom when you leave this movie and know that you can go home safely. It is heart-wrenching. It's too bad they don't show this movie in schools as part of history, but they won't. If you like true stories, then I suggest you do not miss this movie.

- Susan Noce, grandmother, nanny

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Four stars (out of four)

"Hotel Rwanda" is yet another reason why America should learn to embrace limited-release films. I'm certain that Don Cheadle's nomination for best actor is what finally brought this movie to our area.

This is unfortunate, as the entire film succeeds greatly in personalizing a tragedy that many Americans turned their backs upon. Don Cheadle plays Paul Rusesabagina, manager of a luxurious Rwandan hotel, who turns his entrusted lodgings into a refugee camp for more than 1,000 Tutsi and Hutu refugees. The film does a good job of explaining the history of the conflict, so even those who are unfamiliar with the tragedy will be immediately engrossed in one of the most heart-wrenching movies I have seen.

- Matt Morris, student

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Four stars (out of four)

This movie is set in Rwanda, Africa, in the year 1994 during the war between the Hutu and the Tutsi. It is a true story of what happened over there.

I was moved by this film. It has all the makings of an Oscar movie, though it wasn't nominated. It was informative of what went on over there. It made me sad for all the children who were killed or lost their parents.

The movie made me laugh and cry. At the end I cried tears of joy for the survivors of that war who got to leave. The movie is full of heart. I would recommend it for everyone -- it's that good.

The movie hit just the right note with me.

- Tiffany Munroe, mother