CINEMA SATURDAY
Even though theatres are still closed in many places there’s no shortage of new movies hitting screens. Assuming one has a subscription to a streaming platform, there are multiple new productions debuting with more and more options to choose from. Apple TV+ has joined the world of streaming for example, with new release Palmer starring Justin Timberlake. The superstar singer who years back took a hiatus to focus more on acting has since released new music, but has now returned to the set once again. Joined by newcomer Ryder Allen as his co-star, Timberlake kicks off 2021 with a new story.
Timberlake plays ‘Palmer’ an ex-college football star who started making bad decisions, one of which landed him in prison for twelve years.
Timberlake plays ‘Palmer’ an ex-college football star who started making bad decisions, one of which landed him in prison for twelve years. Now out on parole, Palmer goes back home to live with his grandmother Vivian with the hopes of starting over and figuring things out. Vivian sometimes looks after Sam, a young boy who isn’t quite like the other kids at school. Sam, being at her house often, takes a liking to Palmer. As such the two soon begin to bond as Palmer, almost accidently, begins to serve as Sam’s mentor. It is somewhat predictable, though it is a new and refreshing story that has the added benefit of not being a remake or reboot of any kind.
On the surface, one would think this all makes sense. The themes of the movie are political in nature, even though no one comes right out and says it. Justin Timberlake has been an active participant in politics in recent years, so it would not be surprising to see him take on a role like this. However, in the interest of being fair, there’s enough in Palmer that lends Timberlake some well deserved credit. Usually, Timberlake’s strength on the screen is in comedic roles or romantic ones. Palmer is a sign that he wants to be taken seriously as an actor, and with this outing, he could well be on his way if he continues to stay on a similar track. His role as Palmer is reserved and sort of distant, as though he has something to hide or something he needs to forget. Because, he does. Timberlake also isn’t alone in showing out. Juno Temple, though with less screen time in comparison, delivers a smash performance as Sam’s mother. Ryder Allen hits the ground running as Sam, this being only his second professional credit. His performance takes ‘gender neutrality’ to levels not yet seen in movies before now, and this will likely see others on to follow suit.
Palmer doesn’t do everything right as a movie, but it gets very little wrong. From the start it’s very obvious where everything is headed, but if that’s a ‘con’ then the pros are certainly much higher. One thing though is clear. Justin Timberlake accomplishes the tough task of separating himself from his popstar persona and paves the way for him to challenge himself as an actor, like he never has before.
