This film lacks real depth and emotion, and it really inflates beyond measure quite a small issue!
In the 1990s, journalist Garry Webb’s quest for the truth took him from the prisons of California to the villages of Nicaragua to the corridors of power in Washington, D.C. – and his investigative reporting drew the kind of attention that threatened not just his career, but his family and his life.
This film was based on a true story and it really covered two aspects of history; it documented the case (which I won’t spoil) and the rise and fall of Gary Webb’s career. The film was made to focus on the case, but there wasn’t enough there to sustain a whole film. The elements of the film that focused on Gary’s rise and fall were conveyed strongly and more intensely than some of the intended drama created around the case.
Even though the script wasn’t very strong Jeremy Renner’s performance was outstanding. He used the script he had to the best of his abilities and while his performance couldn’t save the film it certainly made some of the scenes less tedious. Lucas Hedges played Gary’s son and the rapport between himself and Renner was acted exceedingly well and their scenes, especially some of the more dramatic ones were some of the best in the film!
Overall this film was built on a weak premise with a weak script, but the performances given by Renner and the whole cast were outstanding.
3 Stars
Review by Benjamin Maio Mackay
Screening courtesy of Palace Nova Cinema