'The Post' had a lot going for it. A great cast, that it was directed by Steven Spielberg (who directed a lot of great films and several childhood favourites) and an intriguing subject, such a lot could have gone right here. A lot actually is done right but not everything, found a lot to admire but it didn't quite click as an overall whole. Can see why it has been so positively reviewed but can also see why it has not worked for others.
What makes it especially worth watching is the cast. On paper there was a lot of talent in the first place and there is some truly great work here. Impeccable in the case of commanding Tom Hanks and a typically powerful turn from Meryl Streep as the most fully rounded character, then again usually one wouldn't expect anything less from actors of such high calibre. Bob Odenkirk's nuanced contribution is the standout of the supporting cast, while Carrie Coon and Matthew Rhys are also strong.
It is a well made film visually, made with grit, slickness and style and with an audaciously evocative period setting. While not one of his best or most memorable works, and it won't go down as an iconic score, John Williams' music is a clever mix of lush orchestral themes and a more sparse electronic tone that adds a suitably unsettling vibe. Spielberg shows signs of capable direction, while the second half is thrilling and suspenseful.
'The Post' is at its most successful in its portrayal of gender inequality and that some of the decisions made were difficult ones to make and how and why they were made and enforced. The script does have enough thought-provoking moments to keep one gripped.
Against all this some of the story is heavy-handed and hammers home its points too much, the exaggeration of the Washington Post's involvement was a prime example. The pace is uneven, the first half did need a fair bit of tightening up and felt too calculated while there is also a rushed feel to the film (perhaps for it to be released in time for awards season), particularly in how interesting and important themes and ideas were glossed over and not fully explored and there is some carelessness at times to Spielberg's directing.
Contrivances and a too talky and too on-the-nose approach is apparent in some of 'The Post's' script in primarily the first half, while the too tonally soft and lacking in dramatic integrity conclusion seemed at odds with the rest of the film.
In summation, an intriguing and worthwhile film but to me it was an uneven one. 6/10 Bethany Cox
What makes it especially worth watching is the cast. On paper there was a lot of talent in the first place and there is some truly great work here. Impeccable in the case of commanding Tom Hanks and a typically powerful turn from Meryl Streep as the most fully rounded character, then again usually one wouldn't expect anything less from actors of such high calibre. Bob Odenkirk's nuanced contribution is the standout of the supporting cast, while Carrie Coon and Matthew Rhys are also strong.
It is a well made film visually, made with grit, slickness and style and with an audaciously evocative period setting. While not one of his best or most memorable works, and it won't go down as an iconic score, John Williams' music is a clever mix of lush orchestral themes and a more sparse electronic tone that adds a suitably unsettling vibe. Spielberg shows signs of capable direction, while the second half is thrilling and suspenseful.
'The Post' is at its most successful in its portrayal of gender inequality and that some of the decisions made were difficult ones to make and how and why they were made and enforced. The script does have enough thought-provoking moments to keep one gripped.
Against all this some of the story is heavy-handed and hammers home its points too much, the exaggeration of the Washington Post's involvement was a prime example. The pace is uneven, the first half did need a fair bit of tightening up and felt too calculated while there is also a rushed feel to the film (perhaps for it to be released in time for awards season), particularly in how interesting and important themes and ideas were glossed over and not fully explored and there is some carelessness at times to Spielberg's directing.
Contrivances and a too talky and too on-the-nose approach is apparent in some of 'The Post's' script in primarily the first half, while the too tonally soft and lacking in dramatic integrity conclusion seemed at odds with the rest of the film.
In summation, an intriguing and worthwhile film but to me it was an uneven one. 6/10 Bethany Cox