Armageddon Time – Review

Armageddon Time – Review
115 Minutes, Rated R
Written and Directed by James Gray

**NOTE: Read Mark’s review below, read Ryan’s review HERE, then listen as they discuss the film in more depth (along with The Banshees of Inisherin). Stay tuned.**

Synopsis:

From acclaimed filmmaker James Gray, Armageddon Time is a deeply personal story on the strength of family, the complexity of friendship and the generational pursuit of the American Dream. The film features an all-star cast including Anthony Hopkins, Anne Hathaway and Jeremy Strong.

I may have mentioned it before, but Hollywood awards season is upon us, and one of the chief players in that game is Focus Features.

And they’re at it again with Armageddon Time.

Sir Anthony Hopkins, Anne Hathaway, Jeremy Strong… what a cast.

But just because a thing seems to be good, does that make it good?

Okay, it’s not a bad movie.

I just don’t like it as much as some critics.

Set in 1980 during the lead up to the presidential election, Armageddon Time is the story of Paul Graff, living in New York City as the youngest member of the Graff clan, headed by Patriarch Anthony Hopkins, father of Anne Hathaway’s Ester.

Paul tries to navigate life in public school (at which his mother teaches), but he’s not very good at it.

Inattentive, flaky, bored… this is Paul’s outlook on the world, until he befriends Johnny, a black boy with domestic problems, and the two outcasts find some sort of solace in one another.

There’s a lot of moving pieces in this one, and it’s not without its appeal, but, for me, this film feels unfinished. Lots of story pieces unfinished, character development unfinished…

Let me sum it up with some critic-speak:

Armageddon Time has an impeccable pedigree in all facets (writing, directing, and acting), but whose sum total somehow doesn’t manage to do more than hint at what might have been. An unfinished symphony, but one which feels intentionally, almost pretentiously, unfinished, leaving the audience wanting for more. So, while it’s not unenjoyable, it’s certainly frustrating.

Armageddon Time will be in select theaters on October 28, opens nationwide November 4, and stars Anne Hathaway, Jeremy Strong, Banks Repeta, Jaylin Webb, Tovah Feldshuh, Ryan Sell, and Anthony Hopkins.

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