The Post

I rented the film on Blockbuster because it supposedly had a 7.8 rating on IMDb, according to Blockbuster... While watching, I checked IMDb myself because I couldn't see how it deserved such a high score-and no, it wasn't accurate as you can see... It's not a bad film, but something feels off. The tone is raw, unpolished, and not the least bit ingratiating but sometimes it feels kind of home made. However, the result is that it conveys a sense that you're not watching a film, but something very real. Some characters are portrayed almost parodically, which adds to the rawness. But it doesn't quite hit the mark.

The flashback scenes are well thought out and clearly connected to the present, but they sometimes feel a bit too contrived. And then there's something about the settings that's distracting. The characters feel "placed" there, like they don't really belong. I don't know if that was intentional, but either way, I don't see that it serves a greater purpose. The home is awful, with its white, shiny floors and islands of outdated furniture. That detail initially made me think something was seriously wrong within the family... Fairly inconsistent, but a good story, understated, and well-acted. And a big plus for not pandering to the audience with cheap tricks.

(Translation by chatGPT)

The basic plot of this movie was interesting - it could have been an outstanding crime drama. But it was not, for several reasons:

1. Some of the acting was not up to par. Had the main character made an effort to get into better condition - gone on a diet - it would have been better. The younger members of the cast performed very well, but those who played the policeman, the high school principal and the TV journalist characters did not.

2. Some of the actions of the characters were rather stupid and weak considering the circumstances. There is nothing in a movie I find more annoying than people behaving stupidly.

3. The ending, which I won't spoil here, was unsatisfying, although the ten minutes leading up to it were very interesting.

This plot and topic could have made a great movie. The writing made no sense. More law enforcement would be involved if two murders took place associated with the same campus. There is a video with faces clearly shown, no superintendent or principal would dare try a cover-up like this. The acting was awful; completely unbelievable. Seems like they were vilifying Texas high school football for no reason. Again, the plot and theme would make a great movie had it not been for the terrible writing, unbelievable sequences, terrible acting and overall sensibility. If I could give it a lower score, I would.

I found the film to be edgy, smooth, clever, and tells a story that no one else is telling right now in an impactful and interesting way regarding the impacts of social media on the current younger generation. The characters are distinct and played with deep care, and the soundtrack and picture value is incredible. As a small budget, independent film, it plays up to a standard of much bigger budget film. I've watched plenty of clunkers with stars made with enormous budgets, and this film is much better made, better acted, better directed, and better produced than a great deal of those others. I give Justin and his team kudos for attacking a difficult topic with entertainment value which is stunning for a small budget film. Keep it up, Justin!!

The story is so compelling and all too familiar with what is going on in our society. Very few films now-a-days hold up a mirror to real life but this film does just that. It really makes you think, makes you wonder what is right, what is wrong and what is just. What would you do? The grittiness of the film makes you feel like you are in it, living the awful situation the family is going through. It's still amazing how sports and the accolades it brings can make people look the other way when truly unjust and horrible things happen. All for the sake of money and prestige. This is a must see for this generation.