By Bob Bloom The following titles are being released on Tuesday, March 17, unless otherwise noted: Richard Jewell (Blu-ray + digital) Details: 2019, Warner Home Entertainment Rated: R, language, sexual references, bloody images The lowdown: A subconscious irony gnaws at you while watching the new Clint Eastwood-directed movie, “Richard Jewell.” Here’s the veteran actor who is most associated with playing the lone-wolf cop, most notably in “Dirty Harry” and its sequels, who chafed at the rules and procedures that his character believed molly-coddled criminals and tied law enforcement’s hands. But, as with most of us, time and experience change our perspectives as we grow older. And, so it seems with Eastwood. In “Richard Jewell,” it is the FBI who rushes to judgment believing it was Richard Jewell — the security guard who discovered an explosive device in Centennial Park during the 1996 Olympic Games in Atlanta — who planted the bomb. Eastwood’s criticism isn’t overt; it is done is subtle ways — the method in which Jewell is profiled and immediately becomes the focus of the investigation; the manner in which his identity is leaked to the press; and the media frenzy, which the FBI does not attempt to quell, that makes Jewell’s life a living hell. As in his 2011 biopic, “J. Edgar,” Eastwood is again showcasing a wariness about “big-government” law enforcement and its potential for abusing power. All that said, “Richard Jewell,” even at 129 minutes, is a no-frills drama about an individual thrust into the limelight and how that is quickly transformed into a harsh glare of the spotlight. Paul Walter Hauser, who costarred as the dim-witted Klansman, Ivanhoe in Spike Lee’s “BlacKkKlansman,” stars as Jewell. Hauser’s Jewell is like a real-life caricature of Kevin James’ “Paul Blart, Mall Cop.” Jewell is heavy set with a round, jowly face and small eyes that, at first glance, emits a vibe that belies his intelligence. He also talks softly and deliberately, which further hides his true nature. Hauser’s performance is excellent. His transformation from hero to victim to finding his voice makes you root for him, despite knowing the outcome. Eastwood clearly is sympathetic toward Jewell. Smartly, he does not overplay his hand. He portrays the FBI as more shortsighted and the media as overly aggressive. He keeps the story simple and moving forward on a straight line, warning that a combination of police wanting to solve a big case quickly and a media hungry for scoops and headlines can be a fearsome combination that can swallow an individual whole without a second thought. Critics were mostly positive about the film, awarding it a 76 percent fresh rating at Rotten Tomatoes. The Bllu-ray’s visual and audio transfers are crisp and solid, with no distractions or flaws.
New to View: March 17
New to View: March 17
New to View: March 17
By Bob Bloom The following titles are being released on Tuesday, March 17, unless otherwise noted: Richard Jewell (Blu-ray + digital) Details: 2019, Warner Home Entertainment Rated: R, language, sexual references, bloody images The lowdown: A subconscious irony gnaws at you while watching the new Clint Eastwood-directed movie, “Richard Jewell.” Here’s the veteran actor who is most associated with playing the lone-wolf cop, most notably in “Dirty Harry” and its sequels, who chafed at the rules and procedures that his character believed molly-coddled criminals and tied law enforcement’s hands. But, as with most of us, time and experience change our perspectives as we grow older. And, so it seems with Eastwood. In “Richard Jewell,” it is the FBI who rushes to judgment believing it was Richard Jewell — the security guard who discovered an explosive device in Centennial Park during the 1996 Olympic Games in Atlanta — who planted the bomb. Eastwood’s criticism isn’t overt; it is done is subtle ways — the method in which Jewell is profiled and immediately becomes the focus of the investigation; the manner in which his identity is leaked to the press; and the media frenzy, which the FBI does not attempt to quell, that makes Jewell’s life a living hell. As in his 2011 biopic, “J. Edgar,” Eastwood is again showcasing a wariness about “big-government” law enforcement and its potential for abusing power. All that said, “Richard Jewell,” even at 129 minutes, is a no-frills drama about an individual thrust into the limelight and how that is quickly transformed into a harsh glare of the spotlight. Paul Walter Hauser, who costarred as the dim-witted Klansman, Ivanhoe in Spike Lee’s “BlacKkKlansman,” stars as Jewell. Hauser’s Jewell is like a real-life caricature of Kevin James’ “Paul Blart, Mall Cop.” Jewell is heavy set with a round, jowly face and small eyes that, at first glance, emits a vibe that belies his intelligence. He also talks softly and deliberately, which further hides his true nature. Hauser’s performance is excellent. His transformation from hero to victim to finding his voice makes you root for him, despite knowing the outcome. Eastwood clearly is sympathetic toward Jewell. Smartly, he does not overplay his hand. He portrays the FBI as more shortsighted and the media as overly aggressive. He keeps the story simple and moving forward on a straight line, warning that a combination of police wanting to solve a big case quickly and a media hungry for scoops and headlines can be a fearsome combination that can swallow an individual whole without a second thought. Critics were mostly positive about the film, awarding it a 76 percent fresh rating at Rotten Tomatoes. The Bllu-ray’s visual and audio transfers are crisp and solid, with no distractions or flaws.