Richard Jewell

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)

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)

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)

Richard Jewell is perfectly executed moviemaking made under a steady hand, just as we like it from an eighty-nine-year-old Eastwood. The plot is unsurprising, in fact, you can predict at the beginning how it will necessarily turn out, but it's not about that at all; Clint Eastwood can tell a human story on the screen for more than two hours, and you just don't want to take your eyes off it. Richard Jewell is a dreaming dolt and makes some huge mistakes every so often but has his heart in the right place and will definitely win the hearts of the audience, too. Paul Walter Hauser as Richard Jewell and Sam Rockwell’s predatory lawyer make a captivating duo on screen. (01/23/2020)

Similar types like Richard Jewell can probably only be produced by the USA. The worst part of it all, however, is the fact that the American secret service theoretically endlessly supports those enthusiasts, conspiracy theory fans, and oddballs by how they behave in public. Then it's no wonder that the average American would rather believe what the government is hiding from them than what they officially present to them. Clint Eastwood has once again found a great topic here. Moreover, he filmed it so honestly that nothing can be denied to him. From the atmosphere beginning, through great acting performances to the end. Paul Walter Hauser, Sam Rockwell, Kathy Bates, Jon Hamm. They all shine here with amazing performances. I would say Olivia Wilde too, but unfortunately she hardly appears here to my regret. Richard Jewell is an honest piece of American filmmaking, that filmmaking that is seen less and less. (01/24/2021)