What do I believe? Well before seeing Disclosure Day, I had three thoughts: Steven Spielberg knows how to make audiences lean forward better than anyone, John Williams remains one of cinema's greatest secret weapons and alien movies rarely stick the landing.
After seeing it, I still believe all three.
Disclosure Day is a fun, crowd-pleasing summer movie that kept me leaning forward from start to finish. The first half plays like a political thriller before shifting into classic Spielberg sci-fi spectacle. If you're expecting a late-life director bookend to Close Encounters or E.T., you may walk away wanting more. I certainly did. But judged on its own terms, it's a wild ride with a dream cast led by Emily Blunt and Josh O'Connor, with Colin Firth and Colman Domingo.
The film is unmistakably Spielbergian. From the opening chase to the final reveal, every shot is designed for maximum impact. Spielberg brings a sense of wonder and spirituality to the story, pitting believers, skeptics and the fearful against one another as humanity inches toward revelation. A spectacular train sequence is worth the price of admission alone.
Not everything works. A major plot point involving a traditional news broadcast feels oddly dated in a world where a viral video would spread faster and farther. The story also takes a detour into alien-given superpowers that feels more like a weak Marvel magic stick subplot than thoughtful science fiction. It undercuts some of the mystery and realism that make the film's best moments so effective. A few dodgy CGI animals and some implausible escapes don't help either.
Listen, my biggest issue is probably unfair: I wanted more. Not a better movie, but a deeper one. Spielberg delivers a highly entertaining blockbuster, yet never quite finds a fresh angle on the alien-contact story.
Still, this is peak filmmaking craft from one of cinema's masters. It may not break new ground, but it's exciting, polished and immensely watchable. Go enjoy it!
In a nutshell: I believe in... Spielberg. Not groundbreaking, but one of the summer's most enjoyable trips to the movies.
Where to watch: Exclusively in theaters.
Would it be better with Olivia Colman? This one needs her less than most, but yes, of course.
Awards potential: John Williams' magnificent score is the standout and will be the film's strongest awards contender. Sound has an outside shot, and Emily Blunt leaves a strong impression, but maybe not enough for the Academy to remember a summer action film come January.
The Ten Buck Review: Worth ten bucks.
Disclosure Day is a fun, crowd-pleasing summer movie that kept me leaning forward from start to finish. The first half plays like a political thriller before shifting into classic Spielberg sci-fi spectacle. If you're expecting a late-life director bookend to Close Encounters or E.T., you may walk away wanting more. I certainly did. But judged on its own terms, it's a wild ride with a dream cast led by Emily Blunt and Josh O'Connor, with Colin Firth and Colman Domingo.
The film is unmistakably Spielbergian. From the opening chase to the final reveal, every shot is designed for maximum impact. Spielberg brings a sense of wonder and spirituality to the story, pitting believers, skeptics and the fearful against one another as humanity inches toward revelation. A spectacular train sequence is worth the price of admission alone.
Not everything works. A major plot point involving a traditional news broadcast feels oddly dated in a world where a viral video would spread faster and farther. The story also takes a detour into alien-given superpowers that feels more like a weak Marvel magic stick subplot than thoughtful science fiction. It undercuts some of the mystery and realism that make the film's best moments so effective. A few dodgy CGI animals and some implausible escapes don't help either.
Listen, my biggest issue is probably unfair: I wanted more. Not a better movie, but a deeper one. Spielberg delivers a highly entertaining blockbuster, yet never quite finds a fresh angle on the alien-contact story.
Still, this is peak filmmaking craft from one of cinema's masters. It may not break new ground, but it's exciting, polished and immensely watchable. Go enjoy it!
In a nutshell: I believe in... Spielberg. Not groundbreaking, but one of the summer's most enjoyable trips to the movies.
Where to watch: Exclusively in theaters.
Would it be better with Olivia Colman? This one needs her less than most, but yes, of course.
Awards potential: John Williams' magnificent score is the standout and will be the film's strongest awards contender. Sound has an outside shot, and Emily Blunt leaves a strong impression, but maybe not enough for the Academy to remember a summer action film come January.
The Ten Buck Review: Worth ten bucks.
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