The Post (2017)

Director: Steven Spielberg
Stars: Meryl Streep, Tom Hanks, Sarah Paulson
Runtime: 116 minutes

Performances: 8/10
Screenplay: 7/10
Special Effects: N.A.
Costumes/Makeup: 6/10
Editing: 6/10
Cinematography: 7/10
Score/Soundtrack: 6/10

Verdict: Steven Spielberg's latest project tackles the true story of a war between the US government and the press (does that ring a bell?) back in the early 1970s, and the dilemma it sparkled in the offices of the famous Washington Post. First of all, let's get the obvious out of the way: Meryl Streep, Tom Hanks, as well as the rest of a cast that includes Bob Odenkirk, Jesse Plemons, or Sarah Paulson are all excellent, with a special mention to Hanks who is Oscar-worthy in this film. Another thing that made the movie thrilling is the way it builds up in intensity as it goes on, and this is due to a very well structured screenplay by Liz Hannah and Josh Singer (who also wrote the similarly themed and Oscar-winning movie, "Spotlight"). Now it's no secret that Spielberg hasn't been in the form of his life lately, and "The Post", while being a very good and fascinating picture, sadly reinforces that statement. I'm not saying that his directing was bad, it's just nowhere near the quality of some of his classics. Janusz Kaminski, Spielberg's go-to cinematographer, and John Williams, who made some of the best scores in film history (Star Wars, Indiana Jones, Jurassic Park, Jaws to cite a few), also do a fine but not memorable job. "The Post" will not be remembered as one of Spielberg's best but is still worth checking out for the performances and the story alone.  

Final Grade: 7/10