Richard Jewell

Where it falters - and badly - is in its portrayal of real-life reporter Kathy Scruggs. It leaves a bitter taste and mars the whole package, undermining its own good work elsewhere.

The story Eastwood is telling here is indeed a compelling one, a real-life drama recounting the abuse of power by the two most powerful institutions in America, the government and the press.

Eastwood's "shut up and point the camera" style of storytelling is bluntly effective and the film is powered along by three terrific performances.

This is, frankly, a political film and it's no secret that Eastwood is not exactly on the left, but, ever the pragmatist, he leaves room for multiple readings.

What should be an expose with nuanced performances has a very un-nuanced performance that overshadows the film...

It's not Eastwood's finest hour.

The true power of Richard Jewell though is the fact that this is one movie that leaves you never being able to look at the media in the same light again.

It is important to acknowledge the films merits because it makes the following carry more weight: This is a polished piece of propaganda masquerading as a prestige picture.

The film tugs at the heart and pushes principles of defiance against odds and triumph through terrible adversity.

Politics notwithstanding, Eastwood deserves credit for creating such a thoroughly engrossing and passionate film like Richard Jewell just shy of his 90th birthday.