Brilliant Performance, Good Movie

Rating: Null/10 (3 January 2018)

I would give this movie a solid B+ but where it really shines is the performance of the lead, Gary Oldman as Sir Winston Churchill, who is absolutely brilliant. I had reservations about him playing this part at first, even though I've always been a big fan of his acting work. But after the very first scene I saw him in I was sold and believed him in the part. I think the Academy Awards better take notice this year and give him just his second acting nomination after all these years. There may be a better performance from this year in a movie I haven't seen yet, but from what I have seen I'd have to say Oldman definitely should finally win his first Oscar statue. The Golden Globes have already nominated him, I see. All right!
OK as for the movie as a whole, the pacing is good overall and usually nice and tight and creating tension and drama, but sometimes it drags just a little bit, especially considering we all know exactly what is going to happen and how the story ends up. Not too many surprises in how it unfolds which is too bad. That's the downside of being so close to historical fact, which I always love. I just wish it had a bit more tension and action. Lots of heart though, but again a lot of that is due to the great acting job of Oldman.