The new movie KILL THE MESSENGER tells the story of newspaper journalist Gary Webb, who in the mid-1980s had discovered through various sources that the CIA was arming Contra rebels in Nicaragua and importing cocaine into California. Now just imagine that… imagine you’re a journalist and you stumble on something like that. So many things would go through your head, not the least of which would be the consequences of spreading the info to the public. It’s more than a little frustrating that more people aren’t aware of Gary Webb’s legacy. It’s also easy to see why Jeremy Renner, outside of starring in the movie, was also passionate about producing and making sure this project gets done.
The film introduces us to Gary Webb (Jeremy Renner), an enthusiastic reporter for the San Jose Mercury News, and confident family man. He’s liked and respected by his peers and his editor Anna (Mary Elizabeth Winstead), and known as a man who isn’t afraid to delve into gritty subjects. When Gary starts to get information about the CIA and drugs being smuggled into America, he believes he’s stumbled on the story of a lifetime. But as he digs deeper he starts to feel like now he may have become a target, and possibly endangered the people he loves. His initial story hits in a big way, even earning him a major award for journalism, but it’s not long before people start questioning his sources and trying to retroactively defame the man. Gary even separates himself from his family in an effort to prove he’s right, but as time passes he risks losing too much credibility before wrapping everything up for good.
Jeremy Renner is one of those actors many people only became familiar with after his star-making performance in THE HURT LOCKER, but he’s actually been acting since 1995 (NATIONAL LAMPOON’S SENIOR TRIP was his first role). In recent years he’s yet to get cast in something that really proves what he can do as an actor. KILL THE MESSENGER is the movie that finally showcases Renner in the best possible way. His reading as Gary Webb is strong and fearless, and easily one of the best performances of the year. We see him when he’s on top of the world, when he’s fearing for his life, and when he’s hitting rock bottom, and Renner conveys every aspect with flawless perfection. Perhaps the only off aspect of Webb as a character is he’s not the most interesting person, or even the most likable at times, but the everyman qualities allow the audience to relate to him as a human, which makes up for the shortcomings.
The supporting actors are solid in the movie, though pale in comparison to Renner’s performance. Rosemarie Dewitt is terrific as the cautious wife who struggles trying to understand Gary’s motivations and thought process, and there’s enough background revealed to show us their relationship was already a bit rocky before the story hit. Mary Elizabeth Winstead is always a welcome addition in a cast, but isn’t given much to do here other than react to Webb’s triumphs and controversy. I think somewhere in there was a stronger role, but the end result feels like somewhat of an afterthought. There’s also small but memorable performances by Oliver Platt, Ray Liotta, Paz Vega, Robert Patrick, and the great Michael Sheen, all of them giving 110% with their readings. Perhaps one of the best standout moments in the film comes unexpectedly from young Lucas Hedges (LABOR DAY), who in a single scene (involving learning a hidden truth about his father) finds a way to break our hearts. It’s one of the biggest emotional beats in the film, and Hedges holds his own against Renner with a phenomenal take on it.
Director Michael Questa (HOMELAND) stages the film much like a throwback to 1970s political thrillers, making it engaging and dark. It also delivers the proceedings with an “R” rating, which is rarer and rarer these days, but welcome for this kind of film – I’m hoping it doesn’t hurt the number of people who go see it. KILL THE MESSENGER is an important film that tells a mostly forgotten story, one that should probably be spread in schools. It may not be the most exciting movie of the fall, but it’s a worthwhile box office experience for just about any age of interest.
Born and raised in Dallas, Mark has been a movie critic since 1994, with reviews featured in print, radio and National TV. In 2001 he started the Entertainment section of the Herorealm website, where he contributed film reviews and celebrity interviews until 2004. After three years of service there, he started Bigfanboy.com, which has become one of the Dallas film community's leading information websites. Bigfanboy hosts several movie screenings in the Texas area, and works closely with film and TV studios and promotional partners to host exciting events and contests. The site also features a variety of rare celebrity and filmmaker interviews, and Bigfanboy.com regularly covers the film festival circuit as well. In addition to Hollywood reporting, Mark has worked for many years as an advertising and sci-fi/comic book artist. Clients have included Lucasfilm Ltd., Topps Trading Cards, The Dallas Mavericks and The Dallas Stars. From 2002 until 2015 he managed the Dallas Comic Con, Sci-Fi Expo and Fan Days events in the DFW area. He currently catalogs rare comic books and movie memorabilia for Heritage Auctions, and runs the Dallas Comic Show conventions, but remains an avid moviegoer and cinema buff. 
This was an eye-opener of a story for me, leading me to do more research after I screened it and confirming some facts with a former CIA agent. Agree Jeremy Webb gave a gripping performance!