Movie review: Bombshell

 When the top three women at Fox News level charges against their boss, Roger Ailes, over the sexist environment he presides over at the network it is a news Bombshell!

Charlize Theron (Megyn Kelly), Nicole Kidman (Gretchen Carlson), Margot Robbie (Kayla Pospisil), John Lithgow (Roger), Allison Janney (Susan), Malcolm McDowell (Rupert), Kate McKinnon (Jess), Connie Britton (Beth Ailes).

Bombshell starts nicely following Megyn around the Fox News offices from the perspective of a tour participant with each area launching a different part of the story. When Gretchen is fired it starts a fire under her to dethrone Roger. Megyn joins the story as the most popular newsperson whose voice matters, while Kayla joins the story as Roger's current focus. The remainder of the story is drama, mostly it seems around perception, and ongoing fear of Roger's power. What doesn't appear is enough tension to keep the story really engaging.

Acting was solid with Theron doing a great job of impersonating Kelly. Kidman was decent, if a bit forced. Robbie was well cast and did nicely. Lithgow was solid throughout and delivered well. McDowell, Britton, and the remainder of the supporting cast were solid.

Camera work, sets and backgrounds were good but costuming and makeup really rocked it here. Theron, Kidman, and Robbie were well dressed and made-up at all times and it fit perfectly. Costuming of Lithgow was also very nicely done. Dialogue was good, but just didn't develop the energy or depth we had hoped. Sound and soundtrack are okay.

Overall Bombshell is a reasonably done Real Life Drama that follows actual events fairly well to our knowledge. Though the film lacks impact as entertainment, it does seems to do a good job of telling a story familiar to many.

With some sexuality and mild foul language, this should be fine for older teens and above.

Released: 2019
Reviewed: 9.7.20
Star rating: 2 out of 5
Genre: Drama, Crime Drama, Drama Based on Real Life, Biography

copyright ©2020 Dave Riedel