I, Tonya (2017)

Director: Craig Gillespie
Stars: Margot Robbie, Sebastian Stan, Allison Janney
Runtime: 120 minutes

Performances: 9/10
Screenplay: 8/10
Special Effects: N.A.
Costumes/Makeup: 8/10
Editing: 9/10
Cinematography: 6/10
Score/Soundtrack: 5/10

Verdict: “I, Tonya” is the true story of Tonya Harding, a figure skater who was involved in an incident that shocked the world during the 1990s. However, the movie doesn’t take the easy road by focusing solely on that incident which, let’s face it, is the reason a big majority of moviegoers went to see it in the first place. Instead, it serves as a study of Harding’s character, and studies her relationship with her abusive mother and spiteful husband. The title character was played by Margot Robbie, while Allison Janney portrayed her abusive mother LaVona, and they were both incredible in their respective roles (and rewarded with Oscar nominations and a win for Janney along the way). The rest of the cast includes the likes of Sebastian Stan, Paul Walter Hauser, Bobby Cannavale, and McKenna Grace, and none of them felt like a weak link or had a hard time existing in the movie. Another thing that truly stood out was Tatiana Riegel’s editing, which almost felt like a character of its own and livened up the film. My only complaints about “I, Tonya” came from some very questionable music choices, which I feel will work well for some people, but didn’t for me. The movie also suffers from some cheese and exposition, but never to the point where it became obvious and annoying. Despite these minor issues, “I, Tonya” is still a very well made, fast paced, excellently acted film, and deserves all the accolades it’s getting.

Final Grade: 8/10