The Front Runner

The Front Runner's timidity extends even to the portrayal of Hart himself... the film instead allows him to recede into the background, leaving Jackman and his trademark charisma with very little to do.

Most fascinating is the film's subtext that the blame for our present cultural morass doesn't rest solely with politicians or the media; in a way, they're only gladiators, thrashing to amuse an enervated citizenry that demands entertainment 24/7.

The Front Runner is commendably even-handed in its portrayal of both the political system and the fourth estate. And Jackman's commanding performance should be required viewing.

A misguided defence of a man and an attitude that feels particularly ludicrous in 2019.

It's a bit of a shoulder shrug in the end... it lacked a dramatic blow.

The film, initially zippy (mostly thanks to J K Simmons as Hart's seen-it-all spin doctor), soon turns into a self-righteous mess.

...the movie boasts terrific work from a thoroughly impressive roster of players...

Why has a film that is so focused on driving home the failings of the media come during the current administration’s effort to silence it? Entertaining, uneven, and questionable.

The 1987 campaign story of disgraced Colorado senator, and Democratic Party front-runner, Gary Hart, is as tough as aspirin compared to what we now digest daily.

The Front Runner would seem to be a movie for our times, or at least one that could provide a partial explanation for how we got here. Instead, it's a mostly inert drama that will likely wind up as forgotten as Hart's presidential ambitions.