While the film seems to lose a bit of its pace after the first act, Clint Eastwood’s newest film, Richard Jewell features some of this year’s finest acting, namely from Sam Rockwell, Paul Walter Hauser, and Kathy Bates. Based on a true story, the film chronicles the story of aspiring officer, Richard Jewell (Paul Walter Hauser), after discovering an explosive while working as a security guard for the 1996 Atlanta Olympics. Followed by the devastating explosion, two FBI agents, Tom Shaw (Jon Hamm) and Dan Bennet (Ian Gomez) set their sights on Jewell as the bomber, while the corrupt journalist, Kathy Scruggs (Olivia Wilde) is determined to turn stories into headlines, no matter the cost. Now leaving it up to Jewell and his quick-witted lawyer, Watson Bryant (Sam Rockwell) to prove his innocence to the world. 

Unexpectedly funny, Richard Jewell hits the ground running by introducing the hilarious chemistry of Hauser and Rockwell. With Hauser bringing a one-of-a-kind southern charm to his lovable, brave, and at times, goofy role, Rockwell delivers a beautifully compelling and dynamic Oscar-worthy performance that’ll have you falling in love with both of them by the end. This film would be nothing without Kathy Bates’ performance as Bobi Jewell however. Stealing every scene she’s in, Bates brings an unmatched level of realism and motherly love to the role of Jewell’s mother. Together, Hauser, Rockwell and Bates make up a ragtag team of unexpected heroes you’ll want to be cheering for. These roles all play well off both antagonists, Agent Tom Shaw and Kathy Scruggs. Generally unlikeable, Hamm plays the calmly vicious Agent Shaw, who’s willing to do whatever’s needed to take Jewell down. While Wilde appears to be a two faced, pseudo-accomplice to Agent Shaw, both of them more concerned with finding someone to blame instead of finding the criminal.  

  Entering the second act however, Richard Jewell begins to lose some of its traction. Turning into an overnight sensation and eventual main suspect, there is a clear lack of character growth for our protagonist. From being bombarded by the media, to consistent harassment from a pair of persistent FBI agents, Jewell shows little growth or situational adaptability, remaining the same loveable and naive man we met in the beginning. Understandably, Jewell tries to return to his life of normalcy via the path of least resistance, instead of fighting for justice. He continues to comply with both crooked FBI agents, even after Bryant has advised him against this. Although Jewell shows growth by the end of the film, it feels like it took much longer than it needed to, and seemingly came out of nowhere.

Although the pacing of Jewell’s growth is a bit stunted, do not let this deter you from seeing it. This film is a perfect example of how strong Clint Eastwood still is as a director. Only a filmmaker like Clint Eastwood could bring the truth this devastating story needs. Rarely do we see a film with such moving performances from a star studded cast. Richard Jewell is, without a doubt, Clint Eastwood’s next home run. 

OVERALL: 44/50 (88%)

CINEMATOGRAPHY: 7.5/10

ACTING: 10/10

EDITING: 8/10

WRITING: 9.5/10

DIRECTION: 9/10

CAST

PAUL WALTER HAUSER - RICHARD JEWELL

KATHY BATES - BOBI JEWELL

SAM ROCKWELL - WATSON BRYANT

JON HAMM - TOM SHAW

OLIVIA WILDE - KATHY SCRUGGS