By Bob Bloom The following titles are being released on Tuesday, March 10, unless otherwise noted: Bombshell (Blu-ray + DVD + digital) Details: 2019, Lionsgate Home Entertainment Rated: R, sexual material, language The lowdown: “Bombshell” is an indictment of the toxic misogynistic environment that infested Fox News, generated from its leader, Roger Ailes, and cascading upon the executives, producers and male newscasters and commentators working for him. The problem is that director Jay Roach’s movie is told in an entertaining manner that dilutes the outrage that should accompany the project. Like most dramas based on true events, “Bombshell” blends fact and fiction, detailing the struggles of Megyn Kelly (Charlize Theron) and Gretchen Carlson (Nicole Kidman), with those of a fictional composite character, Kayla Pospisil, portrayed by Margot Robbie. Also detracting is the script by Charles Randolph, which portrays mostly every male at Fox as either a spineless toady or a sexist lout. The specifics of the story basically is public record: in separate actions, Carlson and Kelly file lawsuits attacking a culture of sexual harassment at Fox and by Ailes, played by John Lithgow, in a fat suit that would make Russell Crowe proud. “Bombshell” works best when it focuses on the situation’s inner-office politics. Silence and fear are the weapons that keep others from speaking out. “Bombshell” fails to create to the moral outrage and true disgust needed to truly take the film seriously. “Bombshell’s” major asset is offering hope and courage to other women who, though not as well-known or financially independent, can have their voices heard. A majority of critics believed the movie worthwhile, rewarding it with a 70 percent fresh rating at Rottentomatoes.com.
New to View: March 10
New to View: March 10
New to View: March 10
By Bob Bloom The following titles are being released on Tuesday, March 10, unless otherwise noted: Bombshell (Blu-ray + DVD + digital) Details: 2019, Lionsgate Home Entertainment Rated: R, sexual material, language The lowdown: “Bombshell” is an indictment of the toxic misogynistic environment that infested Fox News, generated from its leader, Roger Ailes, and cascading upon the executives, producers and male newscasters and commentators working for him. The problem is that director Jay Roach’s movie is told in an entertaining manner that dilutes the outrage that should accompany the project. Like most dramas based on true events, “Bombshell” blends fact and fiction, detailing the struggles of Megyn Kelly (Charlize Theron) and Gretchen Carlson (Nicole Kidman), with those of a fictional composite character, Kayla Pospisil, portrayed by Margot Robbie. Also detracting is the script by Charles Randolph, which portrays mostly every male at Fox as either a spineless toady or a sexist lout. The specifics of the story basically is public record: in separate actions, Carlson and Kelly file lawsuits attacking a culture of sexual harassment at Fox and by Ailes, played by John Lithgow, in a fat suit that would make Russell Crowe proud. “Bombshell” works best when it focuses on the situation’s inner-office politics. Silence and fear are the weapons that keep others from speaking out. “Bombshell” fails to create to the moral outrage and true disgust needed to truly take the film seriously. “Bombshell’s” major asset is offering hope and courage to other women who, though not as well-known or financially independent, can have their voices heard. A majority of critics believed the movie worthwhile, rewarding it with a 70 percent fresh rating at Rottentomatoes.com.