When I first saw this I came away having enjoyed it, but couldn't help a feeling similar to that I had about Bridge Of Spies - that it was a little thin, perhaps a little less weighty than the subject matter deserves. That doesn't go away on this viewing - Spielberg's sentimentality is on full display, his palpable affection for the mechanics of old-school newspaper printing and publishing at once both touching and occasionally cloying. It does move along more briskly than I remember and is undoubtedly entertaining; the star-laden cast does well, though I'm not sure Hanks and Streep are the ideal leads for this film. That's not a criticism of their performances - more that it just feels as if they're not quite comfortable in what they're being asked to do. Also, and for me it shares this with Spotlight, I often find there's a degree of self-importance to films about journalism, and idealism that may sometimes be necessary but I do find a little much. There's a few Sorkin-esque walk and talks that work well, and the breezy tone means it's never less than engaging, though.
Review of The Post
