Palmer

One of those typical heart-warming films about an unlikely friendship that brings together two people who on paper have nothing in common. In this particular case, it’s an ex-convict played by Justin Timberlake and a young kid with transsexual tendencies played by the newcomer Ryder Allen. Nice, but nothing special. (2021.01.30)

Először azt gondolod, hogy "remélhetőleg nem csak klisé lesz Timberlake és a kisfiú barátságáról", a végén pedig örülsz, hogy csak róla szól. Egy kis szívből jövő párkapcsolati film és kiváló Juno Temple az örökké betépett anya mellékszerepében. (2021.02.02)

I’m not a huge fan of Justin Timberlake’s music, but as an actor, he’s definitely one of the best in Hollywood right now. That said, Palmer turned out to be a pretty standard drama about a guy with a troubled past and a kid whose mom is a mess, so he ends up bonding with the lead character. It’s classic indie American drama territory—solid performances all around, especially from Juno Temple, but nothing groundbreaking. I watched the whole thing feeling a bit jaded, since I’ve seen this type of social drama play out so many times before. (2021.02.26)

Thematically similar to Gifted, although it felt a bit more oppressive to me, even though I don't remember that film so well. The forty-year-old Timberlake no longer has to prove that he can act, and I would like to see him in something that more people will see, but he is excellent, and especially in this slow season, I would not hesitate to recommend him for an Oscar nomination. It's really just a small festival movie, but it fits perfectly into the Apple TV+ library, and if you're paying for it, it's a must in this content drought. And if you also got it for free for a year, then after a month, turn it on again and give Palmer a chance. He deserves it... 80% (2021.02.08)

Growing up for rednecks, without DiCaprio, but with a fantastic performance by Timberlake, for whom "the older the better" applies like for some of his more famous colleagues. It's a bit saccharine in places, and it's not a tried-and-true older vintage, but thank goodness for any film like this, dealing with the intricacies of ordinary rural life. Still raw and focused enough to satisfy even the moderately demanding viewer who has seen a bit. (2021.05.17)

Palmer is exactly the kind of humanly written drama that makes you laugh, shake your head and experience the film internally. Justin Timberlake stars as a released prisoner who has a hard time regaining his footing, dealing with a bad fate, the local people and their hatred, and a small but very strange boy with whom he gradually builds a relationship. This may sound as straightforward and hackneyed as the premise of a dozen dramas, but the clever direction, the central cast (the trans/gay 9-year-old is a cinematically smart move that will hold your attention), and a pretty decently written script capable of striking at the viewer's heart make Palmer a decently above average piece that certainly didn't bore for a moment and whose story I actually enjoyed following. I raise the rating to (within the genre) a nice four stars; it doesn't stand out for anything, but it’s quality filmmaking. (2021.02.23)

I watched the film one beautiful Friday afternoon, and I must admit, it wasn’t a bad decision. Sure, there have been many civilian dramas made, but Palmer truly stands out among the better ones. Justin Timberlake should definitely pursue roles like this; in the emotionally charged scenes, I believed his every outburst, every frustration, every joy, every tear (this genre suits him incredibly well). Add to that the talent of the young boy, and there’s nothing to complain about in terms of acting. It warmed my heart to see how these two formed a strong bond; films like this, based on real life, are important to watch sometimes. I understand that the story doesn’t bring anything new, revolutionary, or innovative; it plays it safe, which might prevent it from being at the very top. But I fully understand their decision to stick with a linear storyline where nothing significant can go wrong. The optimistic ending was satisfying; it’s hard to say if it would turn out this way in reality, but a pessimistic ending would have felt like a blow to sensitive spots. It wouldn’t have fit here. For me, it’s a solid three stars. 7/10 (2021.02.27)