Clint Eastwood’s latest directorial offering is a gripping story chock full of strong performances. It’s those performances that make Richard Jewell all the more effective, as Hauser, Rockwell, Hamm, and especially Bates, knock it out of the park in their respective roles. Likewise, the film’s recreation of the 1996 Atlanta Olympic atmosphere is also spot-on, with tidbits of archival footage expertly integrated throughout. Eastwood also nails the pacing, as things never lag, even during the less exciting moments (like the searching of Jewell’s mother’s apartment for instance). Trust me, there is always enough simmering tension, and at times humour, to keep you locked in. The movie will likely come under fire (scratch that – it already HAS) for its portrayal of the journalist who, lets just say uses unorthodox methods to get the scoop on Jewell and ultimately leads to his intense scrutiny. There is also the fact that the FBI is portrayed as being more than a little shady in their approaches and intentions. Regardless of these dubious depictions though, there is no denying that this is a film packed with attention-grabbing craftsmanship, and one that deserves a look-see from film fans alike.