Review of Spotlight (2015) by Bhbarry — 15 Nov 2015

"Spotlight" was co-written by Josh Singer and Thomas McCarthy who also directed the film. It stars Mark Ruffalo, Michael Keaton, John Slattery, Rachel McAdams and Leiv Schrieber (who looks like he should have taken 2 No-Doze pills before his parts were shot).

. The film tells the story of the investigative team of reporters on The Boston Globe (called "Spotlight") and how they uncovered the scandal in the Catholic Church involving the molestation and abuse of children by priests and the efforts made to cover up those transgressions by the Church hierarchy.

The real "star" of the film is this most interesting story of how an institution so beloved and respected by its community could be made to be held accountable for these unconscionable acts engaged in by its representatives.

. With all due respect to the performances of Messrs. Keaton and Ruffalo and Ms. McAdams,, the film takes too long to tell its story and is definitely a "look at my watch" experience. Nevertheless, the importance of the subject matter and the tenacity of those investigating and ultimately writing the story that won their paper a Pulitzer Prize makes it a film worth seeing.

I give the film a 7.5 rating because, even after acknowledging its importance, it still remains an entertainment vehicle that should have left at least 20 minutes of it on the editing room floor.