A reporter becomes the target of a vicious smear campaign that drives him to the point of suicide after he exposes the CIA's role in arming Contra rebels in Nicaragua and importing cocaine into California. Based on the true story of journalist Gary Webb. Read more …
Renner’s solid performance anchors a formidable ensemble in the type of well-intentioned docudrama more likely to leave your head shaking than your pulse pounding.
Part political exposé, part character study, Kill the Messenger feels too much like a polemic, and too little like a human drama, failing to entertain as well as it informs.
The first half is cracking. The second less so.
Verdict: Decent political thriller.
It is a rousing performance but the film is a little one-dimensional in its portrayal of Webb as a result.
Not since 2003’s Shattered Glass has the journalistic pursuit of truth been presented on screen as such a mortally serious matter of honour.
An absorbing, briskly handled account of true events with strong work from Jeremy Renner as swashbuckling, self-righteous reporter Gary Webb.
It’s an absorbing and thought-provoking watch, enlivened by familiar faces including Michael Sheen and Ray Liotta in punchy cameos.
It’s sporadically gripping but ultimately rather frustrating fare, leaving us intrigued enough by the conspiracy-theory backstory to want hard documentary evidence rather than mere dramatic licence.
General release. Check local listings for show times.
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