Review: Spotlight

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So where were you?
When the Boston Globe gets a new executive in Marty Baron (Liev Schriber) he immediately assigns a story to editor Robby (Michael Keaton) and his Spotlight team. He sees that years ago, a Catholic priest in Boston was accused of molesting children, but it never went anywhere. He wants Robby, along with his team of Sasha, (Rachel McAdams) Mike, (Mark Ruffalo) and Matt (Brian d'Arcy James) to dig deeper into the cover up of this abuse by nearly everyone involved with the church.

I find journalism movies fascinating. This year has offered two really good ones, Truth, and now Spotlight. Spotlight is very thrilling in its own way, watching these journalist follow up on leads, come so close, then get pulled back a few times. While the film has a run time over two hours it never feels that way. You're constantly awaiting what happens next.

It's always wonderful when a film based on a true story can do that. What the Boston Globe uncovered was a very big deal in the early 2000's, and more stories are still coming out today. There's a very sad, yet powerful moment when the credits roll and they start showing cities all over the world where mass abuse and covers ups have happened. It's scary to think that those are just the ones we know about.

The actors are great, but Mark Ruffalo really stands out from the pack. Mike is a very jittery and passionate individual, and Ruffalo plays him with so much intensity. He's really having a great year with this and Infinitely Polar Bear earlier in the summer. I hope he gets some awards attention for at least one of these films. 

Recommended: Yes

Grade: A+

Memorable Quote: "If they say it takes a village to raise a child, then it takes a village to abuse one." - Mitchell Garabedien (Stanley Tucci)

Comments

  1. thatfilmgirlDecember 2, 2015 at 6:42 AM

    Great review! I also got the chance to check this out a few days ago and also really, really enjoyed. Agreed on Mark Ruffalo being the standout, he really was great.

    Also, love your Memorable Quote, that really stuck out for me too. It definitely says a lot of what the movie is about!

    ReplyDelete
  2. DellDecember 2, 2015 at 7:52 AM

    Haven't heard of this one, but sounds like something I need to see. Ruffalo is outstanding in everything. Love that quote, too. Thanks for this review.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Brittani BurnhamDecember 2, 2015 at 12:52 PM

      Thanks for reading it! I hope you get to check it out, it's getting some massive buzz at the moment.

      Delete
  3. KhalidDecember 2, 2015 at 9:22 AM

    Great Review. I can see why this is the frontrunner for Best Picture.
    Btw what did you think of Keaton's performance?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Brittani BurnhamDecember 2, 2015 at 12:51 PM

      He was good. Nowhere near Ruffalo's level, but still good.

      Delete
  4. Candice FrederickDecember 2, 2015 at 11:48 PM

    i am so glad you like this. I still need to see this!

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    Replies
    1. Brittani BurnhamDecember 3, 2015 at 7:51 AM

      Thanks! I hope you like it as much as I do when you get the chance to see it.

      Delete
  5. UnknownDecember 3, 2015 at 11:46 PM

    Ruffalo steals the show! Great review.

    ReplyDelete
  6. RuthDecember 5, 2015 at 11:44 PM

    I LOVE films about journalism and this is one of the best yet. I thought Liev Schreiber was terrific in an understated performance, not as flashy as Ruffalo's and Keaton's performance but still very memorable. Boy that quote from Tucci's character is quite chilling wasn't it? This film definitely riled me up.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Brittani BurnhamDecember 6, 2015 at 9:18 AM

      It was. I knew as soon as he said it that I was going to pick it. (Yes, I'm lame and think about my blog when watching movies sometimes lol) Schreiber was really good, it was a very controlled performance and he made you wonder if he was going to snap in a few different places.

      Delete
  7. JoshFebruary 3, 2016 at 5:28 AM

    It's an excellent film, and I'm rooting for it at the Oscars. Keaton stood out to me most when I rewatched it recently, though.

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    Replies
    1. Brittani BurnhamFebruary 3, 2016 at 6:47 AM

      I'd like to rewatch this. It's one of my favorites for sure.

      Delete

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