The Front Runner

"A lot can happen in three weeks. That’s the time frame on offer in Jason Reitman’s real-life political fable. Gary Hart (Hugh Jackman), the front runner in question, was poised to become President in 1988—he was the leading Democratic candidate and polls had him thumping the eventual winner George H. W. Bush. But Gary was what older Kiwis call a bit of a rooter, a hard dog to keep on the porch, etc. To others, he’s a classic #MeToo type, and that tension is central to the film."

"The "Juno" director's got his groove back."

"There's an authenticity underpinning the portrayal of events in The Front Runner that lifts it above the less-than-groundbreaking set-up."

"Whether Jackman knew that was what he was portraying, or whether he thought he was giving a performance of a genuinely contrite man who deserved some public sympathy is completely up for debate."

"The Front Runner captures the moral dilemmas and changing attitudes inspired by the Hart story with sprawling, Altmanesque brio."

"Reitman rewinds to that 1988 moment when Gary Hart's adultery took presidential politics tabloid. But not even Hugh Jackman as Hart can sell the argument that personal weakness doesn't stain public character in the era of #MeToo."

"A tip-top piece of entertainment starring Hugh Jackman as Hart and Vera Farmiga as his wife, Lee, that is as significant as it is enjoyable."

"Given the limitations of the role, Jackman delivers one of his finest performances."

"It's not only an enjoyable watch filled with terrific actors, but also that it's a movie that will have you talking afterwards. It has ideas that are worth discussing and still incredibly relevant."