the feature writing and directing debut of Chiwetel Ejiofor, feels like a similar extension of his onscreen persona: open-hearted, quietly intelligent, endlessly humanist; when the picture reaches its climax, the payoff is undeniably inspiring
made with the intelligence and good taste one expects from Chiwetel Ejiofor, the involving film cares about much more than the sweeping images of triumph with which it inevitably closes
Chiwetel Ejiofor's directorial debut tells an amazing true story and brings Malawi to life on screen; Trywell Kamkwamba is one of the more fascinating characters he's ever played; the film really sparks to life whenever Ejiofor takes the reins
Chiwetel Ejiofor's charming directorial debut; an astonishing true story; It's a conventional film in many ways but one that slowly and effectively builds to a remarkably rousing climax, displaying an act of overwhelming ingenuity that's hard to deny
an inspirational true story fails to lift off in actor Chiwetel Ejiofor's earnest but plodding directorial debut; Competently mounted yet plodding, it's manifestly a labor of love that becomes a bit of a labor to watch
