Review: Bombshell and Marriage Story

A Double Feature Review!

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Bombshell

This based-on-a-true-story dramatization of sexual harassment at Fox News, Bombshell is a whirlwind of a movie. Bombshell is a vital film that tells the story of how women took down Fox News’ most powerful CEO. Actors Charlize Theron, Nicole Kidman, and Margot Robbie are knockouts throughout the entire picture. Theron portrays Megyn Kelly, Kidman portrays Gretchen Carlson, and Robbie portrays Kayla Pospisil (a fictionalized character). Theron and Kidman’s incarnations of Kelly and Carlson are perfection. While Robbie’s performance was riveting scene after scene. This urgent and high-energy movie will keep you glued to your seat. It’s a film that needs our attention. What struck me throughout this entire movie was Theron's ability to trick me in thinking I was listening to and watching the 'real' Megyn Kelly. Everything from her mannerism to her voice was constructed to a T. It was almost on the verge of scary. Theron's tour de force of a role is Oscar-worthy. Bombshell received two Golden Globe nominations for Theron and Robbie — Best Performance by an Actress in a Motion Picture - Drama (Theron) and Best Performance by an Actress in a Supporting Role in a Motion Picture (Robbie).

The film received four Screen Actors Guild Awards (SAG) nominations for Theron, Robbie, and Kidman, as well as Outstanding Performance by a Cast in a Motion Picture. Bombshell received three BAFTA Awards nominations, including Best Lead and Best Supporting Actress for Theron and Robbie. Finally, Bombshell received three Oscar nominations this morning for Theron and Robbie — Best Performance by an Actress in a Leading Role (Theron) and Best Performance by an Actress in a Supporting Role (Robbie). Bombshell is based on the real-life scandal, revealing a look inside the most powerful and controversial media empire of all time, Fox News. This is an explosive story of how a group of women brought down a predatory man (Roger Ailes, played by a strong John Lithgow) who ran Fox News. One of the most powerful scenes in Bombshell is one that, in fact, never happened. The scene is invasive and painful to watch, but it's also important. Kayla's character may be a combination of multiple real-life women, but her experiences in the film are real. They're summaries of several allegations made about Ailes in sexual-harassment lawsuits that Fox News employees brought against the network. Yes, there are pitfalls in Bombshell's dramatization, nevertheless; its message is still important. 

Bombshell is rated R (Restricted). For sexual material and language throughout.

Directed by Jay Roach

Starring Charlize Theron, Nicole Kidman, Margot Robbie, Kate McKinnon, and John Lithgow.

Megyn Kelly Presents: A Response to Bombshell - Full Discussion

Marriage Story

"What I love about Nicole..." "What I love about Charlie..."

Marriage Story emotionally wrecked me. Writer-director Noah Baumbach's (Frances Ha and Mistress America) latest film is a masterpiece, hands down. Marriage Story follows the story of a stage director (a never better Adam Driver) and his actor wife (a fantastic Scarlett Johansson) as they struggle through a grueling, coast-to-coast divorce that pushes them both to their personal and creative extremes. This is a hard movie to watch and it is also a film that emotionally wrecks your psyche. Driver and Johansson's performances are some of the best of the year. Through sweat and tears, we follow their stories and ache for them both. Through it all, Charlie (Driver) and Nicole (Johansson) are trying to do what they think is best for their son, Henry. Marriage Story holy observes the splintering union of a husband and wife falling apart before your very eyes. But, Baumbach gently crafts this picture with compassion and grace. Driver's performance, in particular, is one of the best from 2019. His acting was a tour de force of emotion and vulnerability. Driver put everything he had into this vital role.

Slowly, your heart will sink and in the end, you'll be left in a puddle of tears like I was. Nominated for six Golden Globes — actor Laura Dern took home the Globe for Best Performance by an Actress in a Supporting Role in a Motion Picture. Marriage Story was also nominated for five BAFTA Awards — Best Original Screenplay (Baumbach), Best Leading Actor (Driver), and Best Leading Actress (Johansson). This morning, Marriage Story was nominated for six Oscars — including Best Picture, Best Performance by an Actress in a Leading Role (Johansson), Best Performance by an Actor in a Leading Role (Driver), Best Performance by an Actress in a Supporting Role (Dern), and Best Original Screenplay (Baumbach). Sadly, The Academy snubbed Baumbach of Best Director. But, fingers crossed that Driver can take home the Oscar for Best Actor. Through thick and thin, we look at a marriage breaking up and a family staying together. Marriage Story receives a five-star review from me, yes it is that good. Hold your loved ones close tonight, because when you watch Baumbach's latest picture, you won't want to let go.

Marriage Story is rated R (Restricted). For language throughout and sexual references.

Directed by a wonderful writer-director (Noah Baumbach), who knows how to crush your soul.

Starring Scarlett Johansson, Adam Driver, Laura Dern, Alan Alda, Ray Liotta, Julie Hagerty, and Wallace Shawn.