Read Positive User Reviews for Bombshell (2019)

7

moviemitch96Dec 20, 2019

This film details the behind-the-scenes drama that occurred at Fox News with CEO Roger Ailes and his sexual misconduct/harassment towards the many women who worked there, and their stand against him to ultimately expose him and his behaviorThis film details the behind-the-scenes drama that occurred at Fox News with CEO Roger Ailes and his sexual misconduct/harassment towards the many women who worked there, and their stand against him to ultimately expose him and his behavior during the Trump election period. With A-list actresses such as Charlize Theron (who portrays Fox News anchor Megyn Kelly), Nicole Kidman, and Margot Robbie headlining the cast, along with a very timely and important story that needs to be told and heard today more than ever, I was definitely eager to check this one out. And while it's all told in a pretty straightforward manner, it's nonetheless very compelling, and the performances from all involved are terrific! Overall, while it's a formulaic biopic in some ways, and with some important details about the true story that I noticed were left out, the film's clever editing, standout performances from everybody, particularly the three leads, and the all-around importance and urgency of the story make it a very worthwhile watch.… Expand

3 of 4 users found this helpful31

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7

Compi24Jan 7, 2020

Exponentially more troubling than it is as breezy or as cheeky as its promotional material may lead you to believe it is, "Bombshell" is a good, but not great film that suffers from the tragedy of existentiality, albeit slightly. Being aExponentially more troubling than it is as breezy or as cheeky as its promotional material may lead you to believe it is, "Bombshell" is a good, but not great film that suffers from the tragedy of existentiality, albeit slightly. Being a movie that's based on such a well-publicized and recent event automatically amps up the chances of the narrative losing weight, lulling the audience into a trance-like state of, "oh, yeah I remember this" and "yep, here comes this part." And, though it may not be saying or revealing a whole of new information to the audience, it helps that the events are so unflinchingly depicted, creating this inescapably horrific, cloud of uncomfortability for the audience to soak up in the theater. Some of the scenes border on just downright hard to watch -- in the right and most necessary way. The acting checks out, featuring a trio of committed performances, bolstered by convincing efforts from the hair and makeup department. Again, nothing's fatally amiss, but I just can't help thinking that my prior knowledge of the subject matter hampered my overall experience.… Expand

2 of 3 users found this helpful21

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7

temptershellJan 2, 2020

Very important topic, and the film was made very carefully with attention to detail. A problem for recipients who are not familiar with the political situation of the United States.

2 of 3 users found this helpful21

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8

Brent_MarchantDec 26, 2019

Reviews of this explosive expose of the sexual harassment by Roger Ailes of Fox News have run the gamut from highly praiseworthy for taking on such a sensitive subject to utterly disappointing that it doesn't "do more" in exploring the rootsReviews of this explosive expose of the sexual harassment by Roger Ailes of Fox News have run the gamut from highly praiseworthy for taking on such a sensitive subject to utterly disappointing that it doesn't "do more" in exploring the roots of its underlying issue. This is a conundrum I find hard to fathom. For the most part, I found this a worthwhile offering, serving up a probing look at a troubling story that effectively mixes cynicism, satire and serious drama in examining a serious workplace matter that often isn't taken seriously enough. The film's superb ensemble cast features excellent performances across the board from Charlize Theron, Nicole Kidman, Margot Robbie, John Lithgow, Allison Janney and Malcolm McDowell, and its inventive storytelling approaches keep the picture fresh and engaging. Frankly, I don't understand what disappointed viewers expected out of this release, but I find their criticisms misplaced, suggesting that "Bombshell" should have somehow handled this material in a way that it wasn't intended to be handled in the first place, an unfair disparagement if you ask me -- and one this film doesn't deserve.… Expand

2 of 3 users found this helpful21

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10

nocofosterDec 20, 2019

Simplesmente amei o longa. Charlize está em seu melhor momento, Nicole da ritmo ao filme e Margot traz emoção e principalmente empatia com todas as mulheres ao redor do mundo que já passou por assedio ou abuso sexual .

2 of 3 users found this helpful21

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7

KeithDowJan 2, 2020

Director Jay Roach weaves together an intriguing and sometimes hard to stomach story that is punctuated by some truly stunning performances by some of the best actresses working in Hollywood today.

3 of 6 users found this helpful33

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10

LvcasCardosoDec 20, 2019

Great performances and characterizations. Charlize, Nicole and Margot - who had heartbreaking scenes - are the rhythm and soul of the movie. It entered my TOP10 of best films of 2016. And also Bombshell has the best movie title of the year.

2 of 4 users found this helpful22

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9

Davrosdaleks1Jan 3, 2020

Bombshell is about how the revelation that Fox News CEO Roger Ailes and other members of the network came out as sexual harassers due to female employees who finally spoke out.

This was a really well directed work. Given that this is about aBombshell is about how the revelation that Fox News CEO Roger Ailes and other members of the network came out as sexual harassers due to female employees who finally spoke out.

This was a really well directed work. Given that this is about a pretty unpleasant subject matter, director Jay Roach (who started off in comedy with such films as Austin Powers and Meet the Parents) made perhaps the wise decision to try not to go too dark. There is a more of a focus on the female leads efforts within and against Fox News, trying not to define the women merely with what was done to them, and a darkly humorous look at a the company culture. A lot of exposition in the first third is is presented in a pretty audience-friendly manner.

Understand that when I say that things don't get too depressing that that doesn't mean the harassment is sugarcoated. The scenes that address this are emotionally striking with how awful the whole thing is. The movie is also pretty nuanced and three-dimensional in depicting the people involved and the situations.

My one issue is that a little too much specific factoids are spoken directly to the audience. However given that a movie criticizing conservative Fox News is a politically taut situation, I can see why the filmmakers want to demonstrate that they weren't being sloppy with their presentation of the events.

The cast is all around great. You'll probably be surprised by some of the faces that pop up here. Charlize Theron and Nicole Kidman are great in this. John Lithgow delivers one of the best roles of his career as Roger Ailes, managing to portray a loathsome creep while also making it seem natural how he manages to command loyalty among his employees and allies.

This is a well done film and I recommend this.… Expand

2 of 4 users found this helpful22

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7

GLADIADORJan 14, 2020

Filme bom com um tema pesado, so não precisa no meio do filme parar de falar do tema do filme pra focar em outras coisas

1 of 2 users found this helpful11

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8

rscountsDec 28, 2019

A good film with excellent performances. Going into the movie, everyone needs to be aware that it is largely told from the three female leads perspectives. It is not an anti Fox News movie, but tells the story of Theron, Kidman, and Robbie'sA good film with excellent performances. Going into the movie, everyone needs to be aware that it is largely told from the three female leads perspectives. It is not an anti Fox News movie, but tells the story of Theron, Kidman, and Robbie's characters experience at Fox News. The movie deals with many major stories from 2015 and 16 and contains many Fox News figures past and present. It relies on viewers knowing who they are for those scenes to really sink in. I think the film could have sunk deeper into the culture at Fox News and why so many people were unwilling to defect on Roger Ailes. Conservatives in general are quick to defend white male figures who are accused of harassment and continue to support a president who has been accused of sexual indecency by over a dozen women. The movie misses that chance to really dig deep and explore those questions and the general hypocrisy of the evangelical right. Overall it was entertaining and contained tremendous performances across the board.… Expand

1 of 2 users found this helpful11

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10

GinaKDec 23, 2019

Regardless of your political leanings, I’d suggest seeing this film, especially if you are a film buff. The performances are a marvel from a very, very strong cast, both male and female, in lead and even the smallest supporting roles. TheRegardless of your political leanings, I’d suggest seeing this film, especially if you are a film buff. The performances are a marvel from a very, very strong cast, both male and female, in lead and even the smallest supporting roles. The film itself is well-written and moves along without belaboring the sexual politics. My only problem was occasionally confusing all the platinum blonds, at least initially, especially because prosthetics were used to hide some unmistakable actresses. Roger Ailes is unmistakable, and Lithgow does an excellent job, even buried as he is in makeup and prosthetics.… Expand

2 of 5 users found this helpful23

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10

PablocortesiDec 14, 2019

Película muy recomendable, es un agrado ver a estas 3 actrices juntas. con una duración justa y precisa

2 of 5 users found this helpful23

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8

CinefeelyaDec 22, 2019

This is not a summation of the complexity and depth of sexual harassment. It's one single story not intended to represent everyone's experience. It's incredibly well-acted, entertaining, and emotionally evocative.

2 of 5 users found this helpful23

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7

mrc_brnJan 12, 2020

Interesting watch irrespective of the fact that most of what's shown was covered in the news. Can't tell how unbiased of a telling it was, as I don't like watching FOX News, but it seemed relatively balanced. Performances by all three femaleInteresting watch irrespective of the fact that most of what's shown was covered in the news. Can't tell how unbiased of a telling it was, as I don't like watching FOX News, but it seemed relatively balanced. Performances by all three female leads as well as John Lithgow as Ailes were terrific. Very engaging movie, definitely recommend.… Expand

1 of 3 users found this helpful12

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9

PurpleCrayon4UJan 11, 2020

An Incredible Film That Deserves Much Praise - What a fantastic ensemble! All the major players
deserve Supporting ActorActress Nominations and
at least of them should tie for the win. I liked the mixture of real-time video with theAn Incredible Film That Deserves Much Praise - What a fantastic ensemble! All the major players
deserve Supporting ActorActress Nominations and
at least of them should tie for the win. I liked
the mixture of real-time video with the dramatization,
and only wished there were percentages more within.
If you are not familiar with Meg Kelly, and listened
andor saw her on television at a glance, you will
almost believe that Charlize Theron is Megyn Kelly.
Kate McKinnon deserves a Hollywood Walk of Fame Star
for her performance. I have waited 2 years for this
film and Bombshell did not disappoint.… Expand

1 of 3 users found this helpful12

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9

katezoeJan 4, 2020

Theron and Robbie are standouts. Scenes with Ailes and the survivors at Fox News are cringe worthy. You can fill in the blank...Ailes, Epstein, Trump or Weinstein.

1 of 4 users found this helpful13

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7

Rebecca31Jan 19, 2020

A highly topical film with a stand out cast, the three central performances by Theron, Kidman and Robbie are reason enough to see Bombshell.
Bombshell is heavily based on a real scandal against Fox News head Roger Ailes (John Lithgow) and theA highly topical film with a stand out cast, the three central performances by Theron, Kidman and Robbie are reason enough to see Bombshell.
Bombshell is heavily based on a real scandal against Fox News head Roger Ailes (John Lithgow) and the toxic atmosphere he presided over at the network. It follows three women working at Fox News, Megyn Kelly (Charlize Theron), Gretchen Carlson (Nicole Kidman) and Kayla Pospisil (Margot Robbie). As with all "based on true events" movies one has to be aware that certain creative liberties will always be at play. Yes the main plot details will hopefully be accurate but everything around that is up for debate. It's best not to dwell on that as it may hinder your enjoyment of the film itself. In one way you will be entertained watching Bombshell with its snappy dialogue, hoping to get a few laughs from you. But keep in the mind the subject matter. It flips from one end of the spectrum to the other very quickly and there are a couple of scenes that are shocking and very uncomfortable to watch. John Lithgow is absolutely vile as Roger Ailes. I do mean that as a compliment, his performance is so convincing it will make your skin crawl. Lithgow and Theron's transformation into their characters is very impressive and credit has to be given to the prosthetic makeup designer, Kazu Hiro. There are a lot of good contenders among the Makeup and Hairstyling Oscar nominees this year but Bombshell deserves to win.
Bombshell does highlight the toxic environment of the news network and you'll feel two very strong emotions when watching it. Empathy towards the women, which is only enhanced by the superb acting from the cast and anger towards the harmful work environment and severe lack of repercussions to these high up sexual predators abusing their positions of power. Although I can't fault the acting from anyone I'm not sure Bombshell is making the grand statement it thinks it's making. It doesn't shy away from the allegations against Ailes but other than that it doesn't really deal with the issues it has raised. Has anything really changed? I didn't have a high opinion of Fox News and Bombshell doesn't do a whole lot to change that. It also feels like it's trying to empower women yet it doesn't exactly achieve that either. It's an appropriate film and suitable for today's climate, I only wish it had tried to be less like a comedy and delve deeper into the subject matter. Regardless it's still worth your time and recommended.… Expand

1 of 4 users found this helpful13

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10

GreatMartinDec 24, 2019

In 2003/2004 I saw "Monster" and walked out of the theatre saying that if Charlize Theron doesn't win the Oscar for her performance I will never go to the movies. Well, she did I still go and today I saw a performance by Charlize Theron thatIn 2003/2004 I saw "Monster" and walked out of the theatre saying that if Charlize Theron doesn't win the Oscar for her performance I will never go to the movies. Well, she did I still go and today I saw a performance by Charlize Theron that might not get her that second Oscar but she, along with Nicole Kidman and Margot Robbie, certainly deserve nominations. (Robbie stands a chance in the supporting category as the other two have won best actress Oscars.)

I honestly did not recognize Theron until the near end of the movie due to makeup and prosthetics---another Oscar nomination?--and she has lowered her voice that she is Megyn Kelly. Though the film revolves around Theron/Kelly, for those who don't know the whole story, it was Gretchen Carlson (Nicole Kidman) who was responsible, not only for the downfall of Roger Ailes (John Lithgow) but helped bring the #METOO movement to the forefront.

As with all 'based on a true story' I often wonder how true private conversations are but this man was so abusive that you know a lot wasn't being told and it boggles the mind what he did do and what he, and other men, got away with. The fact that many women covered up for him and one seems to be a pimp for him, doesn't bring any shame on them but on the industry for their practices regarding women.

Any film dealing with the politics in the past 5 years will have to involve Trump and Fox News but, even if we see the behind the scenes involving the Murdochs, this is not a Republican versus Democrat movie. There is a reason why the 3 leads, and so many others, are beautiful blondes wearing tight and short dresses and showing their legs and it all points to Ailes, and Fox, allowing him to do what he did because he was making the company billions of dollars.

Aside from Theron, Kidman and Robbie there are many name actresses such as Holland Taylor, Kate McKinnon, Allison Janney and Connie Britton playing large, small and all important parts.

Lithgow is a repulsive looking man as Ailes--again makeup and prosthetics--making it so unimaginable that he could get any woman that he wanted sexually but he does because of the way the industry worked. Richard Kind does a quick impersonation of Rudy Giuliani while Malcolm McDowell plays Rupert Murdoch and various actors play well known TV figures.

The screenplay by Charles Randolph holds your attention no matter how familiar you may be with the story while director Jay Roach keeps the film going at a quick pace.

"Bombshell" is a must see for the performances, the story and getting out to all the public exactly what brought the #METOO movement forward. Certainly every man should see this film.… Expand

2 of 9 users found this helpful27

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7

marco34laDec 16, 2019

This is a fluffy movie but worth the watch. it has some good laughs, charlize is great and so is john lithgow. again, light fluff movie but given what's out there.... this one of the better flicks i've seen recently.

1 of 5 users found this helpful14

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7

PanchogulMar 3, 2020

This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. El Escándalo (2019)

Sinopsis:

Cuando Gretchen Carlson golpea al fundador de Fox News, Roger Ailes, con una demanda alegando acoso sexual, nadie podía predecir lo que sucedería después. Su decisión lleva a la corresponsal de Fox News, Megyn Kelly, a presentar su propia historia, así como a muchas otras mujeres, incitando a un movimiento que reverbera en todo el mundo.

Opinión:

El trasfondo principal es el acoso sexual femenino, sobretodo cuando se trata de magnates de las grandes industrias y el poder que tienen sobre los demás.

Las actuaciones son fabulosas, el trío de estrellas conformado por Theron, Kidman y Robbie es una auténtica bomba de talento, el trabajo de maquillaje que se les hizo (ganador de un Oscar) es magnífico, sin embargo, no parece haber una verdadera química entre las tres chicas puesto que la mayoría del tiempo realizan sus acciones por separado. Su ritmo es bueno pero monótono, en ningún momento parece ponerse más interesante o menos interesante y el exceso de diálogos es como estar leyendo una rola de créditos finales pasando a alta velocidad.

Pese a todo lo anterior es una buena película, un poco tediosa de seguir, pero sin dudas es completamente verosímil y realista.

Valoración:

3.5 ⭐ de 5 ⭐… Expand

0 of 1 users found this helpful01

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8

Bertaut1Feb 3, 2020

A well-acted film about the human cost of bullying and sexual harassment

Although it lacks subtlety and factual insight, Bombshell is entertaining, brilliantly acted, and paints a horrifying picture of workplace bullying and sexualA well-acted film about the human cost of bullying and sexual harassment

Although it lacks subtlety and factual insight, Bombshell is entertaining, brilliantly acted, and paints a horrifying picture of workplace bullying and sexual harassment. The film tells the story of three women at Fox News - Megyn Kelly (Charlize Theron), who becomes embroiled in controversy when she asks Donald Trump about his history of misogyny; Gretchen Carlson (Nicole Kidman) who is fired from the channel, having already complained about sexist treatment in 2013, and who now plans to sue president Roger Ailes (John Lithgow), who she claims sexually harassed her for years; and research assistant Kayla Pospisil (Margot Robbie playing a composite character) who learns what Ailes means when he says he will need evidence of her "loyalty".

Written by Charles Randolph and directed by Jay Roach, Bombshell's depiction of the nature of sexual harassment in a corporate arena that's male-dominated and female-enabled is chillingly effective, with the film depicting an environment in which women are victims whether they resist or submit to sexual advances – resist, and they risk their job; submit, and they lose their self-respect.

At the same time, Roach is not trying to examine the monolithic political ideology of Fox News itself. Sure, it features lines such as Ailes claiming, "news is like a ship, you take your hands off the wheel and it pulls hard to the left", whilst Pospisil is told the main goal of the channel is to "frighten and titillate", but these are the exceptions. Instead, the film is about self-loathing, fear, and anxiety – it's about workplace bullying and the human cost of sexual harassment, and part of the film's point is that politics are irrelevant – sexual harassment is sexual harassment, and your politics, religious beliefs, race, and gender are all beside the point.

Something that works especially well is the triptych narrative structure. It's not an even divide (this is Kelly's film before it is Carlson's or Pospisil's), but it does allow Roach to dramatise how much Ailes looks on his female staff as commodities. Carlson is the washed-up former beauty queen who no longer holds his interest; Kelly is the current flavour of the month; Pospisil is the future, young, vital, keen, and in awe of the man himself, as all women should be – for every Carlson, there's a Kelly to replace her, and for every Kelly, there's a Pospisil ready for grooming.

From an acting perspective, Theron is extremely impressive. Normally, she looks nothing like Kelly, but through posture, mannerisms, wardrobe, voice, and the subtle prosthetic genius of Kazu Hiro, the actress disappears into the character in a deeply impressive performance that transcends mere imitation. The other standout is Lithgow, whose performance is fascinatingly modulated. He initially portrays Ailes as a flawed human being, and it's only later that he lets the monster out of the box, in a horrifying scene in which he asks an increasingly uncomfortable Pospisil to hike her skirt higher and higher, to the point where her underwear is showing, as he becomes increasingly aroused, indicated by nothing but his breathing. It's a nauseating scene which gets to the film's core – Ailes knows that if women like Pospisil value their job, they'll submit, just as they have done for men like him throughout history; as he sees it, ambitious women will always need powerful men.

As for problems, the film is probably too silent on some of Kelly's history. I understand that Roach wants to avoid anything resembling victim-blaming. But if you knew nothing about these events, you'd think the only controversy Kelly ever encountered at Fox was asking Trump about misogyny. There's no mention, for example, of her infamous "Jesus was a white man" comment from 2013. Granted, it doesn't have much to do with the story at hand, but my point is a general one. The film's Kelly is almost virginal, without blemish. Interestingly, the film does address that Kelly knew about Ailes for years before Carlson was fired, and it takes her to task for not doing anything with that knowledge. However, after she watched the film, the real Kelly cited this scene as an example of victim-blaming – make of that what you will.

Certainly, the opportunity for Kelly to explain why she stayed silent for so long is available, but is never availed of. But is that a fault of the filmmakers or a reflection on the actual person's reluctance to take that journey inward? Sure, the film is at pains to avoid showing either Carlson or Kelly as in any way complicit in creating the hideously outdated patriarchy at Fox. But this is by design. Were Bombshell a story about Fox News, such things ought to be examined. But it isn't. It's a story about humiliation and bullying, a story that says people do not deserve such treatment, no matter their race, religion, or politics.… Expand

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10

benwardJul 18, 2020

this movie is great. really brings to light what happens behind the scenes. people say it hates on men, but here's the thing. if it don't apply, let it fly. but if it stings, then maybe it was supposed to sting. if you assume that an instancethis movie is great. really brings to light what happens behind the scenes. people say it hates on men, but here's the thing. if it don't apply, let it fly. but if it stings, then maybe it was supposed to sting. if you assume that an instance of sexual harassment is an attack on men, then that says more about you than the movie.… Expand

0 of 2 users found this helpful02

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8

marcmyworksMar 17, 2020

Quite a good film about the goings-on at Fox News during the last years of executive Roger Ailes. Unfortunately the underlying issue of this film is that Megyn Kelly, though she finally did right, was also proven to be a bit of a bigot in theQuite a good film about the goings-on at Fox News during the last years of executive Roger Ailes. Unfortunately the underlying issue of this film is that Megyn Kelly, though she finally did right, was also proven to be a bit of a bigot in the real World. Regardless it's an important story to have highlighted.… Expand