Darkest Hour Review

Best Picture Nominee

   Movie Summary  

With awards season now in full force this is my first review of many in contention to win awards.  Darkest Hour is based on Winston Churchill first taking over as prime minister during a dire time in WWII.  The leadership of the previous prime minister is in question, and it is decided he must be replaced.  What they don't expect is this eccentric individual, and his unusual strategic methods.

MPAA Rating/Content   

Darkest Hour is rated PG-13 for some thematic material.  Although this movie is about WWII it isn't your typical "boots on the ground" film.  It takes place almost entirely focusing on the behind the scenes strategy meetings and decisions.  There is a bit of language, but nothing I would consider vulgar.  The stakes are very high and there can be some intense moments.

   My Rating: 9/10   

*What I Liked

You literally forget that Gary Oldman is portraying Winston Churchill in this.  He disappears in this role similar to what Daniel Day Lewis did in Lincoln.  It's not just Gary Oldman that gives a good performance though.  The supporting actors of Lily James and Ben Mendelsohn characters coincide with his tremendously.  Winston Churchill's interactions with these two were some of the most interesting parts.  After seeing what Christopher Nolan did earlier this year with Dunkirk it was very intriguing to see what the behind the scenes goings on were with that evacuation.  It makes a nice companion piece to this. So far I think Gary Oldman has a very good chance at winning Best Actor at the Academy Awards.

*What I didn't Like

The movie can move a little slow at times, and it is on the longer side.  This also tends more towards an older audience, but younger history buffs can still enjoy it.  I also would have liked if it had shown more of the war time to build up how serious things were.  You just have to take everyone's word for it that things are bad since you don't actually get to see it.

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-Chase Waldapfel

Reviewer 

@ChaseWaldapfel