Blog

Device maker does it again, proving high quality releases, stand out above unmemorable quantity…

100% Spicy

Synopsis: After 12 years in prison, former high school football star Eddie Palmer returns home to put his life back together and forms an unlikely bond with Sam, an outcast boy from a troubled home. But Eddie’s past threatens to ruin his new life and family.

Studio: AppleTV+

Release Date: January 29, 2021

Format: Streaming exclusively on AppleTV+

Genre: Live Action – Fiction, Drama

Runtime: 1 hour, 50 minutes

Review: Palmer is an original, American film drama, directed by Fisher Stevens and written by Cheryl Guerriero. The movie stars Justin Timberlake, Juno Temple, Alisha Wainwright, June Squibb and Ryder Allen with a wider cast, all well scripted, directed and performed. The standouts are Timberlake as Eddie Palmer and newcomer, Ryder Allen as Sam.

The themes tacked in this film are both vast and addressed in uniquely appropriate ways. Are you ready for the topics this film embraces, so readily and adeptly tackles?

Drug Addiction, Abuse, Parenting, Transgender Identity, Legal System, Redemption, Death, Incarnation, Social Services, Prejudice, Adoption, Violence, Friendship, Interracial Relationships, Law Enforcement, Mentoring, Bullying, Small Town Life, Crime…

Beyond the bond that Palmer had with his kind, church going Grandmother, what I found the most compelling, was the endearing relationship between Palmer and Sam. Its evolution was both organic and well crafted in how it was written and performed by two outstanding actors. I felt so much compassion and empathy for each character, especially that of Sam. I wanted to jump through the screen to protect, shelter and hug him, myself. 

The way the writer, screenwriters and director addressed the themes, I identified above, was truly impressive. This is how Hollywood and do take note politicians, the way social issues should be addressed…in a subtle and compassionate way. In particular, Sam is boy, who prefers to dress and participate in non traditional male activities. How Palmer, a masculine, former football star and recent ex-convict is confronted by this… his initial reaction and eventual evolution, allowed me to access the material in such a way, that I did not feel that I was being preached to, but actually experienced for myself, lived through. I not only appreciated this approach as a viewer, but I was sold, without being told how the writer / director wanted me to feel about these topics. This film made me cry, made me laugh and made we want the story to continue. Brilliantly executed, in my opinion!

Signed up for AppleTV+ yet? I’m guessing that the majority of AppFlicks users have not. I can understand why. You are likely thinking, that Apple doesn’t offer the blockbuster, brand-name, intellectual properties of say a Disney+, HBOMax, or of say Paramount+ or Netflix might. I get it. However, at $4.99 USD per month, Apple CEO Tim Cook, Matt Cherniss (Head of Domestic Creative Development), Morgan Wandell (Head of International Creative Development) and Michelle Lee (Senior Creative Director) have truly focused on high impact content vs. highly forgettable programming. Don’t misread what I’m saying, the other streamers are certainly not devoid of diverse content beyond their stellar legacy & original series and films… I’m just sharing that AppleTV+ provides a huge bang for the buck, especially if you are seeking first-run shows and films not seen anyplace else, such as: SEE, Ted Lasso, For All Mankind, Defending Jacob, Tehran, Home Before Dark, Earth At Night – in Color, Tiny World, Central Park, Little America, The Banker, Greyhound & Cherry... I endorse ALL of these, as must-watch, titles, with more content to come!

Have you watched Palmer yet? What did you think about the film, its cast, themes and how they handled each of this contemporary issue? Please offer you comments below. Consider becoming a member of the AppFlicks community as either an AppFlicker Critic, JoulePepper Contributor or AuteurX Creator via our Login page. Once you do, at the JoulePepper Contributor level, you can not only rate everything via our Icy OR Spicy JoulePeppers, you can also comment on anything, vote in JoulePoll Polls and author your very own JouleView Reviews & JouleStream Forums. Don’t forget to consume all the curated entertainment buzz: news, gossip, trailers and popular: play (gaming), watch (video tv series / films) & listen (music) feeds across AppFlicks.

I am looking forward to your JoulePepper rating of my review of Palmer and I’d love to read your comments in the JouleView section, below…I can’t rave about this high quality film, enough. I give it an ultra scorching,  5 JoulePeppers – it’s super Spicy!

ronvining

Welcome, from AppFlicks Chief AuteurX! I created AppFlicks out of my love for all-things entertainment, stints as a music manager, producer and as an advisor to film & game studios, telcos, lux brands, retail, hospitality & theme parks. Thank you for taking part in our streaming community! NOTE: Activity from my account, may also be initiated by AppFlicks Admin.