Bombshell benefits from a terrific cast and a worthy subject, but its impact is muffled by a frustrating inability to go deeper than the sensationalistic surface. Read full review 59 |. Photo: Studio Canal Bombshell plays softball with Megyn Kelly and Fox News. “Bombshell” combines elements of both: the dead-on depictions of famous media and political figures and some playful fourth-wall breaking to bring us behind the scenes of this insular—and infamously paranoid—world. The makeup is also phenomenal and Theron looks unrecognizable as Kelly. And the film has a strong cast that includes Charlize Theron, Nicole Kidman, Margot Robbie, and John Lithgow. Rating: 3/5. Bombshell is a bright, watchable film on a subject that ought to make us squirm. Gretchen Carlson (Nicole Kidman) is consulting lawyers for a personal harassment lawsuit against Ailes the person, not Fox News, but she needs other women to come forward. Movie Reviews Trailers ... “The movie Bombshell is a Hollywood film about the sexual harassment scandal at Fox News,” Kelly wrote on Twitter, before sharing a link to the video. Owen Gleiberman. Bombshell is a fast-paced, riveting, and timely portrayal of a landmark moment in media history and is anchored by three flawless performances … “Bombshell” depicts, with equal parts bemusement and outrage, the explosion that occurred when the women of Fox News Channel dared to expose the culture of sexual harassment that had prevailed for so long at the cable television juggernaut. Performances are all outstanding, but it's not a movie. Was this review helpful? Half of the main characters are fictitious and there wasn't any cooperation from the alleged victims, so there's no real attempt to tell the true story of what happened. Cinemark Others don’t quite hit the mark, but the whole newsroom culture comes vividly to life, both through production design and the kind of gallows humor that keeps journalists sane during the worst of times. But this is no gimmick. With Charlize Theron, Nicole Kidman, Margot Robbie, John Lithgow. Robbie makes the character’s vulnerability and fear palpable, and Roach treats the pain of the moment with decency. Lionsgate, Oscar Winners 2020: Full List of the 92nd Academy Awards Winners and Nominees. 'Bombshell': Film Review Back to video The wait is over: “Bombshell,” directed by Jay Roach (“Game Change”) from a script by Charles Randolph (“The Big Short”), is that movie. Maintaining such radiant confidence becomes an increasing challenge for Kelly once Carlson (Nicole Kidman, conveying both on-air sweetness and off-air ambition) brings her lawsuit against Ailes (John Lithgow, also undergoing a significant physical transformation). |, December 7, 2020 Still, it's an engaging and evocative story about an important social issue. For one fantastic, fleeting second, you will believe that Kevin Dorff is Bill O’Reilly. But it also doesn’t try to be fair and balanced, to borrow the network’s slogan—and its incisive point of view is one of the film’s many great strengths. |, January 18, 2020 Charlize Theron, Nicole Kidman, and Margot Robbie star in Bombshell, directed by Jay Roach and written by Charles Randolph, a film about Megyn … Bombshell Review. Read full article. Nicole Kidman as Gretchen Carlson in Bombshell… While this story deserved some kind of film, I don't believe an adapted narrative was the right decision. This is familiar territory for both: Roach is the Emmy-winning director of “Game Change,” about Sarah Palin’s rise to prominence as John McCain’s running mate in the 2008 Republican presidential election. The film itself doesn't feel like it's telling you anything you already don't know about the subject; people will compromise their morals for personal gain, power leads to exploitation, women are unfairly treated, and it's easier to fall in line than stand up to power. | Rating: 3/5 One of her qualities as a performer is that she never begs for the audience’s love. Share. Please click the link below to receive your verification email. Please enter your email address and we will email you a new password. Page 2 The film is about selling sex, selling a candidate, selling yourself, selling the truth. The film is about selling sex, selling a candidate, selling yourself, selling the truth. In the end, Bombshell is well-intentioned but ultimately comes across as an exposé. “Bombshell” may not change anyone’s minds—especially not those viewers who, as the film points out, have the Fox News logo burned into the bottom corner of their TV screens because they never change the channel. THE BIG FILM REVIEW. Annapurna Pictures, | Fresh (220) |, January 18, 2020 | Rating: 3.0/4.0 | Rating: 7/10 Bombshell has some problems, and isn't exactly fair and balanced, but it presents a chilling look at the struggles that women go through in the workplace. ‎Bombshell (2019) directed by Jay Roach • Reviews, film + cast • Letterboxd |, January 21, 2020 Bombshell is a revealing look inside the most powerful and controversial media empire of all time; and the explosive story of the women who brought down the infamous man who created it. The performances are all fantastic and the story itself was intriguing enough to hold my attention the whole time, but there wasn't much else to latch onto. | Rating: 2.5/5 By creating an account, you agree to the Privacy Policy Denver and Delilah Productions, But the performances are always compelling, from the lead actresses doing top-notch work—especially in a scene in which they all share an awkward elevator ride, silently—to the supporting players down the line. What “Bombshell” has going for it is a jaunty pace. Some of the performances are startlingly dead-on, like Alanna Ubach’s Jeanine Pirro and Allison Janney’s Susan Estrich. All Critics (321) Megyn Kelly (Charlize Theron) is struggling with the scrutiny she has endured after then-presidential candidate Donald Trump turns his small Twitter thumbs against her. |, November 27, 2020 Forgot your password? Granted, "Bombshell" might have been better served by a premium-TV showcase as well, since the behind-the-curtain peek at media and politics has all the trappings of an HBO movie. Bombshell movie reviews and ratings - Tribute.ca rating of 2.93 out of 5 Stars. Verified reviews are considered more trustworthy by fellow moviegoers. Christy reviewed films for The Associated Press for over 14 years. Hi, I’m Jay Roach. Director Jay Roach’s film follows those fraught days during the summer of 2016, when “Fox & Friends” morning show co-host Gretchen Carlson filed a lawsuit against the former Fox News CEO and Megyn Kelly—the network’s biggest star at that point—came forward with Ailes harassment tales of her own. Bombshell Only Sometimes Understands That It’s About White Feminism. Thursday January 16, 2020 Charlize Theron and John Lithgow in Bombshell. Also during the summer of 2016 – and yes, it really does feel like a lifetime ago - Donald Trump is rising to power as the Republican presidential nominee, and his trajectory is becoming intrinsically intertwined with that of his favorite TV news channel. Bombshell Movie Review: Critics Rating: 3.5 stars, click to give your rating/review,Although the sum isn’t greater than its parts, this is an essential film that needs to be watched, c Coming Soon. Incredibly provocative and controversial, Bombshell is a compelling issue drama. Bombshell is well-intentioned but uncomfortable viewing at times, as it should be. As ‘Bombshell The film is an eye-opening account of how women are sexually harassed and pressured in the workplace, as well as of the bravery and effort it takes to undo the unfair practices of a giant corporation. “Bombshell” is a scalding and powerful movie about what selling, in America, has become. A scene where a visibly shaken Margot Robbie is asked by a loathsome John Lithgow to hike up her skirt revealing her underwear evoke the right amount of disgust. Print article. Don’t worry, it won’t take long. Randolph is the Oscar-winning co-writer of “The Big Short,” which got its arms around the complicated topic of the 2008 recession by presenting it in amusingly inspired and easy-to-understand ways. . Bombshell arrives in the UK just as Harvey Weinstein is being taken to court by his accusers, with the real world lining up with the award season push. The other two main characters wrestle with how far to go in a corporate culture of keeping secrets from very powerful, very dirty old men. | Top Critics (69) But more importantly, she gets Kelly’s essence, her toughness and her need to assert herself as authoritative and unflappable at all times. The allegations against Weinstein were so strong it created an … Copyright © Fandango. Directed by Jay Roach. And so Kelly’s clash with Trump as debate moderator—based on a question she asked him about his treatment of women over the years—further makes her a target and heightens the kind of scrutiny and misogyny she and so many women face when they tell their stories of abuse and harassment. Bombshell is an incredibly well-acted exposé, delivered in a way that makes its abhorrent topic easy to watch, a process which does slightly undercut the film's overall impact “All Trump does is watch Fox,” says Rob Delaney as Kelly’s producer. Coming Soon. The film is about selling sex, selling a candidate, selling yourself, selling the truth. Parents need to know that Bombshell is director Jay Roach's outstanding fact-based drama about sexual misconduct allegations at Fox News. Bombshell is a 2019 American drama film directed by Jay Roach and written by Charles Randolph.The film stars Charlize Theron, Nicole Kidman, and Margot Robbie, and is based upon the accounts of the women at Fox News who set out to expose CEO Roger Ailes for sexual harassment. Bombshell is a fast-paced, riveting, and timely portrayal of a landmark moment in media history and is anchored by three flawless performances … They won't be able to see your review if you only submit your rating. You can find Christy's writing at ChristyLemire.com. With Charlize Theron, Nicole Kidman, Margot Robbie, John Lithgow. Thursday January 16, 2020 Charlize Theron and John Lithgow in Bombshell. Director Jay Roach keeps "Bombshell" tight and suspenseful. Sign in to vote. In the end, it … Along these lines, Kate McKinnon comes hilariously to the rescue as a closeted lesbian producer on O’Reilly’s primetime show and the voice of reason who explains to Kayla the simple guidelines for suggesting segment ideas: “Frighten, titillate. lundagatan-48111 29 December 2019. However, for those familiar with the situation (either from reading about it or following it contemporaneously), new revelations will be few and far between. Tweet Share Linkedin Email. Metropolitan FilmExport, Thanks to the exceptional cast and the witty, smart direction, the story of what happened such a short time ago is both bitterly entertaining and unashamedly provocative. The percentage of users who rated this 3.5 stars or higher. Bombshell review: Charlize Theron is gobsmackingly good as the real-life screen queen determined to unearth the victims of Fox News’ most powerful predator. The provocative real story of three whip-smart, ambitious, strong women who anchored one of America's most powerful news networks -- becoming headlines themselves when they risked everything to stand up to the man who made them famous. | Rating: 4.5/5 The percentage of Approved Tomatometer Critics who have given this movie a positive review. And as other high-profile women come forward with vocal support of Ailes, Kelly’s silence becomes even more conspicuous. And Theron brilliantly captures the tone and inflection of Kelly’s voice—the distinctive rhythm, the deep richness and the selective, seductive breathiness. Reviews Movie Review. 59 out of 105 found this helpful. | Rating: 2/5 There are no approved quotes yet for this movie. Transforming her voice into a husky boom, Charlize Theron (‘Mad Max: Fury Road’) continues to be the best thing in movies about irresponsible men. It reinforces that the most powerful figures aren't invincible and, though not easily, can be brought down too. Bombshell is a fine enough movie, one that’s entertaining and well-paced when you’re watching it but forgettable as soon as you leave the theatre. Rachael Mead. | Rating: 4/5 Don't have an account? "Bombshell" further proves Charlize Theron is hands down the best actor (male or female) in the past twenty years. |, September 23, 2020 Any film that showcases Mark Duplass, Rob Delaney, Connie Britton, Allison Janney and Malcolm McDowell as a supporting cast can't fail. Bombshell is a fine enough movie, one that's entertaining and well-paced when you're watching it but forgettable as soon as you leave the theatre. If “Invisible Life” is a better film than “Bombshell,” it’s largely because Aïnouz, unlike Roach, finds room for the ephemera that clutter even the most dramatic episodes. Bombshell is well-intentioned but uncomfortable viewing at times, as it should be. 6:30 AM PST 12/9/2019 by Todd McCarthy FACEBOOK; ... in Bombshell, set their sights on ... Gretchen Carlson and Roger Ailes in Jay Roach's film … In no time at all, you truly feel as if you’re watching Kelly herself, and the fact that she’s doing an extended walk-and-talk to explain the inner workings of the conservative news network accomplishes a couple of crucial things right off the top. Thursday January 16 2020, 5.00pm, The Times. But the performances from the cast and its timely premise does make the film watchable. 69% TOMATOMETER “ Bombshell ” tries to encompass all of that for context, and it does so with an intermittent, quasi-documentary style that doesn’t always work. There's still a thrill of watching the downfall of a serial abuser, and the acting is strong throughout, but Bombshell can't shake the feeling of being a slicker, more star-studded TV movie version of recent history. Rated R Bombshell is the first film detailing events that I have not only lived through but that I have witnessed as an adult. Mediocre and Hollow! 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