J Edgar (*** out of ****)

J. Edgar is a film that needs to win Oscars. Not that it isn't good without them but who will remember this next year? Who remembers Hereafter with Matt Damon? Nobody because they all still think of Eastwood's Million Dollar Baby. This is a film made by people that internet forums just eat up. So J. Edgar for a while was a favorite for next year's Oscars. Well mixed reviews and disappointing box office may have dashed those hopes. Is this a bad movie? Of course not. Yet even the hardiest of audiences may get bored from time to time. We know (or should know) something about J. Edgar Hoover. He was the head of the FBI for decades and is responsible for what it is today. His face was iconic during the 20th century. The man had files on everyone and many suspect he only lasted in power as long as he did due to the way his image was portrayed.

Leonardo DiCaprio plays Hoover in quite the good performance. I can't say anything negative to what he brought to the table. Yet he won't be winning his Oscar here. Hoover hunts criminals (namely the Lindbergh baby kidnapper), has his secretary (Naomi Watts) stock secret files, lives with his mother (Judi Dench) and has a live long companionship with Clyde Tolsen (Armie Hammer). The film tells the story of Hoover's government career and not so much about those pesky rumors that did his name in (Although we get one scene of DiCaprio in a dress and let me say he can't pull it off like Cillian Murphy can in Breakfast on Pluto). When compared to other biopics this film is very well done. Authentic sets, good acting and steady pacing. Instead of following Hoover chronologically the film jumps through the years near seamlessly. This helps make Hoover more than a simple man but a image. It doesn't have a lasting appeal nor much interest going for it. I found myself only really drawn in for maybe three scenes. However it sets out to tell something about a Hoover and it does so well.

*** out of ****