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Best Picture Birb- The Post

The Post
Starring: Meryl Streep and Tom Hanks
Directed by Steven Spielberg
US Release Date: December 22nd, 2017
Most Recent Viewing: March 3rd, 2018
Image Credit: movieposter.com

 Nominated for two Academy Awards (Best Actress- Meryl Streep and Best Picture), The Post tells the story of the Washington Post and their handling of The Pentagon Papers, confidential information on the United States actions in the Vietnam War that spanned over five different presidential reigns. 

 Streep and Hanks are plastered all over the advertising as the leads, Streep playing Post owner Kay Graham, who takes over the family business after her husband's death. Streep is predictably good in this role, showing her evolution from quiet background player to a presence. Hanks plays editor-in-chief Ben Bradlee, who is headstrong in the Post's First Amendment rights of freedom of the press, pushing hard to be able to publish the story even with the Nixon administration doing what they can to block the story's release. 

 This is without a doubt a story that needs to be told but is very of-the-time given the current political climate. This was fast-tracked to get into Oscar contention, with the filming of this movie beginning at the end of May 2017, and it paid off getting the two nominations. However, with more time, I feel the story could have been better developed and less dry. Also, the ensemble cast needs to get their due, with Bob Odenkirk, David Cross, Matthew Rhys, Carrie Coon, Sarah Paulson, and Bradley Whitford all playing key roles.

 The Post is rated PG-13 for language and brief war violence. What are your thoughts? Follow me at twitter.com/moviebirb or facebook.com/moviebirb and let me know what you think. 

 -birb

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