A fine example of mediocrity with a splash of style

Rating: 6/10 (12 May 2019)

Selma is by no means a great film, neither is it a terrible one. It is simply and unfortunately "fine". The visual flair of the film is apparent within it's opening scene, and is carried on throughout with masterful cinematography and a keen sense of dramatic and distinct lighting. Additionally, the acting is superb, with the lead performances (particularly that of David Oyelowo as MLK himself), greatly boosting the raw emotion of the film. However, the racial tension of the film is so by the book and one sided that the film comes off as a predictable rereading of a school book, without truly engaging the viewer with multiple perspectives. As a result the 'Villain' of the story, in the form of Tim Roth's George Wallace, is simply boring. Again, a fine film, just not one I care nor need to watch again.
3 Stars