Review by ThunderQunt

Quite a frustrating watch to be honest. Being a big fan of biopics, history, war, science, and Nolan, this film was going to be one to remember fondly. But it is not the case. As the film ends, I'm only thinking how it leaves much more to be desired.

Oppenheimer - a character study interspersed with events surrounding the Manhattan Project which feels more like a minor secondary plot. Unemotional and rather jarring to the point where one might be tempted to use the word boring were the political and courtroom plots. By trying to blend in two stories, one being the Manhattan Project and the other being the political/courtroom drama, it fails to deliver on both sides. Can't help but think it would do much much better just focusing on one or the other. Deliver 100% on one story rather than 50% on two mushed in ones. Personally, I feel much more excited whenever the story progresses on the Manhattan Project-side - the building of the bomb, the work differences of the scientists/military/politicians, the morals, the ethical dilemmas, the politics of the project. The film builds on those aspects then, deflates into the courtroom-like scenes, taking steam off any real weight, emotions, and connections.

However, it's not all bad. Nolan delivers on the technical filmmaking and the cast delivers on the acting. Film and filmmaking lovers will have much to enjoy and awards are almost guaranteed I dare say. The acting was the best part of the whole film. Needless to say, Cillian Murphy delivers as Oppenheimer himself and as many, many others mentioned, Robert Downey Jr. Also stands out.

All in all, it still is a Christopher Nolan film and it shows. Though, it leaves much to be desired for as it aspired to be much more but can't. Just like my life.