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8

TVJerryApr 9, 2018

For anyone who doesn't remember this historical event, this movie will fill you in…plus keep you thoroughly involved in the unfolding circumstances. Jason Clarke is fantastic as Senator Kennedy. He captures enough of the idosyrantic look andFor anyone who doesn't remember this historical event, this movie will fill you in…plus keep you thoroughly involved in the unfolding circumstances. Jason Clarke is fantastic as Senator Kennedy. He captures enough of the idosyrantic look and accent, but more importantly, he beautifully creates a nuanced and flawed character. Watching as he and his team evolves the "coverup" keeps interest without ever letting the pace lag. The rest of the cast is also excellent. There are never any grand revelations or big moments, but director John Curran has crafted an intelligent, compelling investigation into political power.… Expand

7 of 7 users found this helpful70

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7

GinaKApr 12, 2018

Chappaquiddick is a surprisingly engrossing film about an incident that no one really seems to know the truth about (including the late Ted Kennedy) and which includes an outstanding performance by Jason Clarke as the senator and anChappaquiddick is a surprisingly engrossing film about an incident that no one really seems to know the truth about (including the late Ted Kennedy) and which includes an outstanding performance by Jason Clarke as the senator and an intriguing one by Kate Mara as Mary Jo Kopechne that simply add to the mystery. Why did Kopechne end up dead while Ted Kennedy survived? Was Ted Kennedy so dazed and confused after the accident that he could not help her? Or was he too drunk? Or too much of a coward? All these are possible, but we really don’t know since in the film, he just walks away and a cover up begins so that the truth (or what we can know of it after all these years) will probably never be certain. The director John Curran goes a great job of keeping us interested in the mystery and not making us feel cheated in the end when we still don’t know what exactly happened – and perhaps never will.… Expand

3 of 3 users found this helpful30

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7

netflicApr 16, 2018

It is a well known fact that politics cannot be done with clean hands.

This is a story about an infamous scandal and cover-up in 1969 when a young and hopeful presidential candidate Ted Kennedy was responsible for a fatal car accident thatIt is a well known fact that politics cannot be done with clean hands.

This is a story about an infamous scandal and cover-up in 1969 when a young and hopeful presidential candidate Ted Kennedy was responsible for a fatal car accident that caused death of his female campaign staffer.
Or, maybe it was not an accident?

There are still many unanswered questions about it. We will probably never know the truth.

In this movie Ted Kennedy and his father Joseph Kennedy Senior are shown as immoral mafia-type clan members ("family", as they call it) who consider themselves above the law and would stop at nothing to keep the power. There is always plenty of powerful people who would willingly help them do it.
And even more people who would be willing to forgive and forget, especially if they push forward the same political views. Isn't it the same nowadays?

I do not consider the movie a masterpiece but I would still recommend to see it especially for younger generation who know little about the scandal but might remember "the Lion of the Senate".

In the end of the movie there are chronicles circa 1969 of real people in Massachusetts reacting to Ted Kennedy's plea on TV to forgive him. Those reels are impressive.… Expand

2 of 2 users found this helpful20

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3

ThomassJul 11, 2018

I did not get much from this film. Depicts the facts that many recall about the incident...no new facts to be had. They added fictional elements but you didn’t know which parts were true unless you knew the whole story. Also I get that theyI did not get much from this film. Depicts the facts that many recall about the incident...no new facts to be had. They added fictional elements but you didn’t know which parts were true unless you knew the whole story. Also I get that they wanted to show how truth is lost and the spin doctors come in to create a story that people accept. Oddly out dated in this era of whole sale lying. They don’t even bother to make up cover stories now. So I got to the end and thought really “what’s the new insight?”. Did not feel it added much to my view of the incident.… Expand

2 of 2 users found this helpful20

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6

EdeltraudApr 15, 2018

I did enjoy this movie for the acting & the depiction of a small, elite New England shore town trying to cope with a huge, horrific, national story. It's interesting to see a slice of history fleshed out, but despite Ted coming off asI did enjoy this movie for the acting & the depiction of a small, elite New England shore town trying to cope with a huge, horrific, national story. It's interesting to see a slice of history fleshed out, but despite Ted coming off as heartless, the film didn't accurately depict the debauchery that he was known for (even according to a NYT piece 5 yrs after the accident that said he had a reputation for heavy drinking & fast driving.) Instead, this made it seem almost as if it were an isolated incident. Why was his relationship with his wife so strained, for instance, that might be an important piece & would have been more interesting than the drawn out scenes with his father. The pressure on Mary Jo's parents, as well, could have been delved into further. Those who like historical drama will want to see this, but for those who like a more "regular" thriller, this will seem too introspective.… Expand

1 of 1 users found this helpful10

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6

The3AcademySinsApr 13, 2018

I have to say, I left the theater feeling really disappointed. Almost every good directorial choice is thrown out the window in favor of what ends up being an over-produced, overly drawn out (at only 1 hour and forty minutes, the pacing makesI have to say, I left the theater feeling really disappointed. Almost every good directorial choice is thrown out the window in favor of what ends up being an over-produced, overly drawn out (at only 1 hour and forty minutes, the pacing makes it feel like two and a half hours) rip off of a Hallmark movie. The story of Ted Kennedy's fateful night could have been told much better. However, the one saving grace of this film is Jason Clarke's performance. He does a great job of bringing Ted Kennedy to life, with all of his flaws. Other than that, give Chappaquiddick a pass.… Expand

1 of 1 users found this helpful10

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8

AugustKellerJun 4, 2018

The sleek and dark feel of Chappaquiddick is apparent from the start as we are taken on a journey through the underbelly of American politics. A well executed film, Chappaquiddick takes its time delivering its drama out in the right doses.The sleek and dark feel of Chappaquiddick is apparent from the start as we are taken on a journey through the underbelly of American politics. A well executed film, Chappaquiddick takes its time delivering its drama out in the right doses. While the weak links (the script, acting & casting all have their hits and misses) of this movie sometimes undermine the tone, everything comes across well enough to maintain engagement.

Chappaquiddick’s biggest issue is most likely the mixed tonal signals it sends. Sometimes a political thriller, sometimes a satirical comedy; Chappaquiddick doesn’t always feel like it knows what it wants to be. Despite that, the strengths of this film (percise cinematography, editing and production) give it a strong vibe through compelling sound and imagery. Crescendoing with the delivery of Kate Mara’s performance, the film’s weaknesses are overcome and the message is ultimately received. Far from flawless, Chappaquiddick is still a strong movie and worth a view.

Writing: 7/10
Direction: 8/10
Cinematography: 8/10
Acting: 7/10
Editing: 9/10
Sound: 8/10
Score/Soundtrack: 8/10
Production Design: 8/10
Casting: 7/10
Effects: 7/10

Overall Score: 7.7/10

Original Article: https://thefilmguys.blog/reviews/augusts-reviews/chappaquiddick-2018/… Expand

1 of 1 users found this helpful10

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10

qApr 7, 2018

“Chappaquiddick” is an extraordinary movie. It should be multiple-Oscar worthy, but it will be interesting to see if its subject matter prevents it from getting the recognition it deserves. There were attempts to prevent its production and“Chappaquiddick” is an extraordinary movie. It should be multiple-Oscar worthy, but it will be interesting to see if its subject matter prevents it from getting the recognition it deserves. There were attempts to prevent its production and release, and it apparently is receiving only limited distribution, given that I had to drive thirty minutes just to see it. I wouldn’t say the movie was sympathetic to or condemnatory of Ted Kennedy. It told a story I vaguely remember from my childhood. What it did illustrate--replete with excellent acting, authentic depictions of the zeitgeist of the late 60s, a realistic recreation of the crash site and accident, and some scenes obviously recreated or surmised rather than historically documented--is what most thinking people already know: 1) Lady Justice peaks under her blindfold when adjudicating the wealthy and powerful, especially when they are in their home towns. 2) If you are going to mess up royally, it’s best to do so in a place in which all of the local movers and shakers have known you so long they’re almost family. 3) Having a generally sympathetic media and public is worth its weight in small fines, suspended sentences, and community services. 4) Average Americans “should not try this at home,” or the full weight of the rule of law will descend on them like the proverbial ton of bricks and crush them. 5) Political dynasties based on family names and “mystique” (Kennedy, Bush, Clinton) are invariably corrupt and should be reserved for banana republics rather than the greatest nation in the world. The 5:00 Saturday show in an affluent Philadelphia suburb was filled close to capacity, so I suspect “Chappaquiddick” will succeed even if has taken almost 50 years to be made, when movies with much less interesting storylines (“All the President’s Men”) were produced as quickly as Hollywood could slap together a screenplay.… Expand

5 of 6 users found this helpful51

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9

moviebuffersApr 13, 2018

I was 13 years old when this happened and lived nearby, he was my senator. I remember being mystified at the time as to how a senator could behave this way and as I aged I became more and more perturbed about his behavior. Not sure if peopleI was 13 years old when this happened and lived nearby, he was my senator. I remember being mystified at the time as to how a senator could behave this way and as I aged I became more and more perturbed about his behavior. Not sure if people realize or remember but he continued on his drunken way for 20 more years before he sobered up leaving more wreckage behind him. How the voters of my state could return him every 6 years is beyond comprehension. His behavior makes Trump look like the proverbial alter boy. O by the way - the film was great, well written and acted.… Expand

4 of 6 users found this helpful42

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8

twall3Apr 23, 2018

Well crafted and acted film! Shows us what apparently happened. Lets us think it through and come to our own conclusions. Left me with this question: how did Ted manage to escape the submerged car yet the young woman remained trapped inside?Well crafted and acted film! Shows us what apparently happened. Lets us think it through and come to our own conclusions. Left me with this question: how did Ted manage to escape the submerged car yet the young woman remained trapped inside? How was it that she wasn't able to follow his route of escape? He was portrayed as a bizarrely self-centered "poor me" baby that seemed to have zero remorse that a young woman he knew well had just died. Also the brief glimpse we see of him and his wife together was very telling of what kind of man he was.… Expand

1 of 3 users found this helpful12

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9

SuperMax156Apr 9, 2018

No surprises that the leftist media does not like the truth being told about this degenerate Ted Kennedy, but its about time that the truth started to see the light of day. The movie is well acted, and does not sugarcoat the reality of whatNo surprises that the leftist media does not like the truth being told about this degenerate Ted Kennedy, but its about time that the truth started to see the light of day. The movie is well acted, and does not sugarcoat the reality of what happened at all, neither does it sensationalise it.… Expand

1 of 4 users found this helpful13

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8

SadiePApr 11, 2018

This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. 'Chappaquiddick is based on the true story of the accident involving Senator Ted Kennedy & Mary Jo Kopechne, who drowned while Kennedy left the scene unharmed. More so, it is about power, influence, and how the political train drives perception, reality and a politicians career. We see the events unfolding day to day and watch Kennedy's emotions/actions & see how much his father's influence has driven that family. At times it feels like Kennedy wanted to do the right thing, but power trumped his decisions and sadly he surrendered to the cover-up as advised by all of the 'suits' Daddy Joe brought in to save him. One line Ted said was, "we'll tell the truth, or at least how we see it!"
I'm glad they made sure not to trash Mary Jo's reputation & noted that there had been no affair. One touching moment was when Kennedy called Mary Jo's parents and we saw some deep anguish from him.
Bottom line - he basically got away with murder. Confession & sentence was a joke and it just reiterated nothing has changed, the same crap still goes on today. Politics suck and powerful people get away with things they shouldn't, cover-ups run the machine. How Kennedy lasted so long as a Senator I'll never understand - people are fickle. James Clarke did a good job as Kennedy, created his look, quirks & questionable character well. Casting Jim Galligan as the Attorney General was off for me - I kept expecting him to start cracking jokes. Rest of the cast was good, period wardrobe, cars, music, etc. also good. I am interested in reading more about the different men involved in this case.
I hated the story, but felt the movie was done well.… Expand

0 of 2 users found this helpful02

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7

LegendaryLassDec 14, 2018

Clarke is nothing less than a chameleon as Kennedy, bringing an internal struggle that comes through despite the underplayed exterior. Kennedy's "he's smarter than he looks" air is played perfectly. Unfortunately there's just not enough meatClarke is nothing less than a chameleon as Kennedy, bringing an internal struggle that comes through despite the underplayed exterior. Kennedy's "he's smarter than he looks" air is played perfectly. Unfortunately there's just not enough meat on the reality bone.… Expand

0 of 1 users found this helpful01

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7

eagleeyevikingJul 12, 2018

Palpably tense, well acted, and informative, "Chappaquiddick" is an engrossing retelling of the titular incident.