Hereafter (2010) ***1/2

What happens when we die? Do we go to the light like Carol Anne said or do we just snuff out like a candle in a hurricane. Hereafter doesn't examine whether or not we all shine on, it examines how the idea of life after death affects three people in different parts of the world. Marie Lelay (Ceclile De France) is an in depth news reporter on a holiday. When a tsunami hits she is pulled away in the rising tide, dying for several minutes in the process. She sees a light. She sees people in the light. The few minutes she travels to the other side end up having a profound affect on her life and her career. Marcus (Frankie and George McLaren) is forced to deal with the loss of his twin brother, the death equating almost to the point of half of his being dying along with him. Then there's George (Matt Damon) a gosh darn real psychic who can see and talk to lost loved ones. George's problem is that his "gift" has left him isolated because everyone either A) wants something from him or B) his gift teaches him too much about other people, making them skittish.

Directed by Clint Eastwood, Hereafter is a film that delves into the other worlds we know nothing about, but doesn't rely on parlor tricks like Paranormal Activity and its kin. It's a thought provoking film, one that will have you discussing with others what the hell is on the other side of this life. The movie is wonderfully acted, though it drags a bit in parts. This isn't Eastwood's best work, but it does deliver the goods.