Review of Spotlight (2015) by Boogie B — 16 Aug 2016

Plot: WITH 6 OSCAR NOMINATIONS, SPOTLIGHT IS OBVIOUSLY A MUST SEE FLICK!

Review:

HAVE YOU EVER DANCED WITH THE DEVIL IN THE PALE SPOTLIGHT?

WITH 6 OSCAR NOMINATIONS, SPOTLIGHT IS OBVIOUSLY A MUST SEE FLICK!

SPOTLIGHT is about how in 2001, editor Marty Baron, played by Liev Schreiber (X - Men Origins: Wolverine, Salt) of The Boston Globe assigns a team of journalists to investigate John Geoghan, a priest accused of molesting more than 80 boys. The team of journalist are led by editor Walter "Robby" Robinson, played by Michael Keaton ("I'm Batman.") , reporters Michael Rezendes, played by Mark Ruffalo (13 Going On 30, The Avengers). The reporters make it their mission to provide proof of a cover up of sexual abuse within the Roman Catholic Church.

When I first saw the trailer to this movie, I didn't know what to really expect. It came off like a drama, likeness of an independent film, and the type of film a big budget studio wouldn't really make. Especially with the subject matter, and the real life story they want to show on the big screen.

The problem with many movies based on real life stories, crime, dramas, and cover-ups is you get the feeling as if you are watching that genre. With Spotlight, you really don't know. As the movie unfolds, you learn more; are exposed to more, and see more of what goes on in this world. The writing was phenomenal. I really like how as the story goes along, we see what really goes on behind closed doors. Both legally and with our characters. A ton of real life stories turned into films also suffer from the same format of we need the hero. In this film, the journalists do not really come off as heroes, but everyday people. Meaning, people who do their job, report well, care about justice, and people who simply come off like real individuals.

In addition, the acting is toned down, but in a good way. The actors and actresses come across like everyday people. No one in this film over acts or seems as if they are acting to win an award. For instance, when you receive bad news, do you act like Samuel L. Jackson in the movie Changing Lanes? Meaning, do you pick up a computer and throw into a glass wall? Or do you shake your head, raise your eyebrows and maybe use profanity under your breath? In my opinion, Sacha Pfeiffer, played by Rachel McAdams (Wedding Crashers, About Time) does an amazing job! I believe that this is Rachel McAdams best movie in a very long time. She acts well, comes off like a good person, helpful, has a purpose, and she really stepped it up with her performance.

BATMAN AND THE HULK ARE ON SCREEN TOGETHER! Says the one nerd in the theater (me).

Once again, I'm glad to see Michael Keaton back in an Oscar worthy film. Mark Ruffalo also is delivering a good performance, and is easily getting better with every movie that comes up.

So these are my final Bitchin' Buddha thoughts on the film Spotlight. It's very well written, informative, well acted performances from everyone, disturbing at times, and overall a film that is at least worth checking out at least once in your lifetime. I believe Spotlight earns a...

4 out of 5!

Thank you all for reading and or viewing, and I hope you all have an amazing day as always. :).