Richard Jewell

For me personally, Clint Eastwood is a safe bet. I’ve always liked him as an actor, and even when he started directing, he hasn't let me down. I enjoyed this film for its great direction, quality screenplay and very good acting performances (especially Sam Rockwell in the role of a serious lawyer). Most importantly, it was another portrayal of the typically American witch hunt. (08/13/2020)

How does Eastwood do it at his age? To make a film at 89 years old brimming with such youthful energy is truly breathtaking. I can only tip my hat. But now, to the film. Richard Jewell tackles a significant story from the end of the last century that I think most people might not even know about (I’m among those who were completely unaware of this man). The film relies on two things: the cast and the well-crafted script. Honestly, I was most entertained by Sam Rockwell as the lawyer. In recent years, I’ve grown to really appreciate this actor; he can play any role, and you always know he won’t slack off. But Paul Walter Hauser as the lead was also engaging, and Jon Hamm, playing a negative character for perhaps the first time, was great as well. In terms of the script, I enjoyed every line, and the emotional scenes worked well both on paper and on screen. It’s a wonderful, intimate film that shows how being a hero can unexpectedly turn against you. I give it 85%. (03/24/2020)

Richard Jewell is well made biographical drama that captivates the viewer especially with its strong subject matter and convincing performances by the main characters, led by the solid Paul Walter Hauser, the sharp Kathy Bates and the brilliant Sam Rockwell. It never ceases to amaze me that Clint Eastwood, at such an advanced age, can still make a film with a coherent story and an unforced build-up of events that shook the public nearly twenty-five years ago. I really bow down to him! In the case of the main character, the saying "beg for mercy" applies doubly, and it's really crazy how a person's life can change from hero to villain at the snap of a finger. Despite the slower pace, the film is told in such an engaging way that the two hours in the cinema go by like nothing. A quality cinematic experience guaranteed! (01/20/2020)

A confident Clint Eastwood serves up another compelling true story that is intense and suspenseful from start to finish, and Sam Rockwell has another perfect supporting role! (After Jojo Rabbit for the second time this year). Well acted, interestingly shot, emotional towards the end and overall a very entertaining piece of work where I kept my hands clenched for the entire running time. Praise should also be given to the nasty detective Jon Hamm, the bitchy reporter played by Olivia Wilde, and the unknown Paul Walter Hauser, who also gives a great performance. I hope it's not Eastwood’s last film. 8/10. (02/06/2020)

Another finely tuned wow from Clint. This smooth-gliding story is further augmented by the acting performances. Powerhouse Sam Rockwell props up Houser in every scene they have together, making the times when Richard gets pissed even more impressive. Olivia Wilde, representing the media, could very easily have fallen into clichés, but in the end she actually rocks, and Hamm as an amoral FBI asshole is the embodiment of everything that you hate about the powers that be. In the end, this turns into an average guy vs. the government and the media battle, but it’s shot with such grace that I am giving it the fifth star. Movies where neither the government nor the media are right are always satisfying to watch. Especially these days. (11/18/2020)