Review of Freeheld (2015) by Joel M — 23 Nov 2016

**** Good.

The melodrama "Freeheld" is not an easy watch, and it wasn't a critical easy watch to many critics, as it was not held free as a solid flick by many film reviewers who posted very negative critiques on the picture. However, I am free to say that I actually thought it was a credible picture, without its few flaws of course. Director Peter Sollett's "Freeheld" is based on a melancholic, though justice-seeking related, true story of Laurel Hester; a cancer-stricken New Jersey police lieutenant who fought tooth & nail with the New Jersey freeholders to transfer her benefits to her domestic partner Stacie Andree. Julianne Moore provides yet again one "Moore" astounding performance as Hester. Ellen Page also freeholds her own with a worth performance as Stacie. Now, this is not a perfect movie. Ron Nyswaner's screenplay seemed a bit too dry at times, but still holds his own. The "when he is not good" thespian Michael Shannon delivers again here with his work as Hester's devoted police partner. However, Steve Carell's supporting work as a gay marriage advocate lawyer was too cartoonish for my taste. "Freeheld" should hold your interest enough to benefit your cinematic taste.