Directed by:
Fisher StevensScreenplay:
Cheryl GuerrieroCinematography:
Tobias A. SchliesslerComposer:
Tamar-KaliCast:
Justin Timberlake, Ryder Allen, Alisha Wainwright, Juno Temple, June Squibb, Wynn Everett, Dean Winters, J.D. Evermore, Jesse C. Boyd, Charmin Lee (more)VOD (1)
Plots(1)
After 12 years in prison, former high school football star Eddie Palmer returns home to put his life back together—and forms an unlikely bond with Sam, an outcast boy from a troubled home. But Eddie's past threatens to ruin his new life and family. (Apple TV+)
Reviews (4)
At the beginning, you think “maybe it won’t be just a clichéd story about Timberlake’s friendship with the little boy”, and in the end you’re glad that’s exactly what it was. Palmer is a little relationship movie with heart and an excellent Juno Temple in the supporting role of the endlessly high mother.
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One of those typical heart-warming films about an unlikely friendship that brings together two people who on paper have nothing in common. In this particular case, it’s an ex-convict played by Justin Timberlake and a young kid with transsexual tendencies played by the newcomer Ryder Allen. Nice, but nothing special.
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Growing up for rednecks, without DiCaprio, but with a fantastic performance by Timberlake, for whom "the older the better" applies like for some of his more famous colleagues. It's a bit saccharine in places, and it's not a tried-and-true older vintage, but thank goodness for any film like this, dealing with the intricacies of ordinary rural life. Still raw and focused enough to satisfy even the moderately demanding viewer who has seen a bit.
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I watched the film one beautiful Friday afternoon, and I must admit, it wasn’t a bad decision. Sure, there have been many civilian dramas made, but Palmer truly stands out among the better ones. Justin Timberlake should definitely pursue roles like this; in the emotionally charged scenes, I believed his every outburst, every frustration, every joy, every tear (this genre suits him incredibly well). Add to that the talent of the young boy, and there’s nothing to complain about in terms of acting. It warmed my heart to see how these two formed a strong bond; films like this, based on real life, are important to watch sometimes. I understand that the story doesn’t bring anything new, revolutionary, or innovative; it plays it safe, which might prevent it from being at the very top. But I fully understand their decision to stick with a linear storyline where nothing significant can go wrong. The optimistic ending was satisfying; it’s hard to say if it would turn out this way in reality, but a pessimistic ending would have felt like a blow to sensitive spots. It wouldn’t have fit here. For me, it’s a solid three stars. 7/10
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