Bombshell (2019)

Under the Chairman and CEO of Fox News Roger Ailes' (John Lithgow) leadership, a toxic work environment exists for its female employees. But it isn't until Gretchen Carlson (Nicole Kidman) files a lawsuit against Ailes for sexual harassment that the lid is lifted and the ugly facts exposed that will eventually bring about Ailes' downfall. Directed by Jay Roach (MEET THE PARENTS), this is a terrific movie. Not without its flaws but there's no denying the film's powerful story. As with most "true" stories, considerable dramatic license is taken. One of the film's three major characters, expertly played by Margot Robbie, is a fictional character created for the film. I can understand why she is there but it makes the film too "Hollywood" when it should have tried for a more semi-documentary effect. Charlize Theron as Megyn Kelly gives her best performance since her Oscar winning turn in MONSTER. I just wish Charles Randolph's script hadn't strayed so far from the real story which was strong enough without the need to be punched up. All that being said, it's the kind of message movie that doesn't forget that as a movie, it still has an obligation to entertain its audience. The first rate cast includes Allison Janney, Kate McKinnon, Malcom McDowell, Connie Britton, Richard Kind and Holland Taylor.