Review of Spotlight (2015) by Axet — 18 Feb 2016

Straightforward no frills, well acted, investigative journalistic procedural based on true story; heavy on dialogue as you'd expect but short on vigor, suspense, emotional payoffs, and an overall sense of urgency.

Sorry but a tough subject alone does not grant a pass for great movie. The craftsmanship is solid, though no flair for moviemaking is evident in this only mildly involving story. This same movie aesthetically could have come out in 2001 or in 1970, whether that's a problem or not is not the issue, but the low key to the point of nearly emotionless arch is.

It is there however subtle making it more realistic but also less satisfying as movie artifice. It does not deserve Best Picture and is a prime example of serious content alone trumping form. Ruffalo does not deserve the nom any more than every other member of the ensemble, that is besides Rachel McAdams who is a good actress but any of literally hundreds of others could easily play this part to the same effect.