FilmSnobReviews

Title: Bombshell
MPAA Rating: R
Director: Jay Roach
Starring: Charlize Theron, Nicole Kidman, Margot Robbie
Runtime: 1 hr 49 mins

What It Is: When Fox News anchor Megyn Kelly (Theron) asks challenging questions of (then) Republican Presidential Candidate Donald Trump her career at the news network starts a small spiral. All the while veteran anchor Gretchen Carlson (Kidman) is in the midst of suing the head of Fox News Roger Ailes (Jon Lithgow) for sexual harassment. These allegations rock the network known for their “fair” and “balanced” coverage. But is there more to these claims then meets the eye in this toxic working environment.

What We Think: So despite the cast being a who’s who of killer femininity this film can’t fight off its demons. A script that’s legit paper-thin an objective too transparent to care and directing that is somewhat blasé at best. Roach will never be known for his deft hand in handling things behind the lens. It’s sort of the one thing that kills the momentum of the cast. Narratively this isn’t so great. Perhaps Adam McKay would’ve been better suited for something like this. Charles Randolph is no Aaron Sorkin who I think is a better fit for material like this.

Our Grade: B, Is this a good film? Sure. It is NOT, however, a great one. Its shortcomings are too far to overcome and it feels like Roach is strictly playing catch up. Theron, though her performance is good comes off too much like an impression. Even with the great makeup and the vocal tinge she still doesn’t SEEM like Kelly fully. Margot Robbie is there and that’s what I can say. She’s given more to do here then she was in Once Upon a Time in Hollywood. I’d recommend you check this out, but I’d say that if you are one of the many who enjoy Fox’s brand of news then perhaps this isn’t for you. If you are a fan and can see the forest through the rapey trees you’re awesome and you might just enjoy this.