Palmer


Palmer

Overview:

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.

Votes 88 (8.4/10)

Runtime: 110 minutes

Release Date 2021-01-29

Website: Link

Tagline: Family is who you make it.

Production company:

  • SK Global
  • Sidney Kimmel Entertainment

Production country:

  • United States of America

Genres:

  • Drama

Trailer

Further Information

Eddie Palmer
Justin Timberlake
Justin Timberlake
Sam
Ryder Allen
Ryder Allen
Shelly
Juno Temple
Juno Temple
Maggie Hayes
Alisha Wainwright
Alisha Wainwright
Vivian Palmer
June Squibb
June Squibb
Jerry
Dean Winters
Dean Winters
Lucille Coles
Wynn Everett
Wynn Everett
Tommy Coles
Jesse C. Boyd
Jesse C. Boyd
Judge Ellen Antheem
Charmin Lee
Charmin Lee
Jake
Jake Brennan
Jake Brennan
Principal Forbes
J.D. Evermore
J.D. Evermore
Daryl Reed
Stephen Louis Grush
Stephen Louis Grush
Sibs
Lance E. Nichols
Lance E. Nichols
Social Worker
Stacie Davis
Stacie Davis
Toby Reed
Carson Minniear
Carson Minniear
Parole Officer
Theodus Crane
Theodus Crane
Boy
Hero Hunter
Hero Hunter
Ned
Nicholas X. Parsons
Nicholas X. Parsons
Pastor
Ray Gaspard
Ray Gaspard
Melissa
Zonia Pelensky
Zonia Pelensky
Emily
Molly Sue Harrison
Molly Sue Harrison
Coles Senior
Dane Rhodes
Dane Rhodes
Bartender Cosimo
Craig Sheffer
Craig Sheffer
Teacher (uncredited)
Suzette Lange
Suzette Lange
Producer
Charles B. Wessler
Charles B. Wessler
Director
Fisher Stevens
Fisher Stevens
Producer
Sidney Kimmel
Sidney Kimmel
Producer
John Penotti
John Penotti
Writer
Cheryl Guerriero
Cheryl Guerriero
Producer
Charlie Corwin
Charlie Corwin
Producer
Daniel Nadler
Daniel Nadler

msbreviews

If you enjoy reading my Spoiler-Free reviews, please follow my blog @ https://www.msbreviews.com Streaming services have been growing exponentially, and with the current global pandemic deeply affecting the film industry, studios all around the world started to accept their movies’ fate. Controversy became a banal word in this debate, especially regarding the decision of exclusively distributing blockbusters and highly-anticipated films through Netflix, HBO, Disney+, Apple TV+, and more. Concerning this matter, I will always defend the theater experience as something unique and incomparable with home viewing, at least in a general way. Nevertheless, I think the most comprehensible path to accommodate everyone is to give the viewer both choices, and I firmly believe that would be the new norm, sooner or later. Why this apparently unrelated prologue? Well, Palmer is exclusively premiering on Apple TV+, which is probably the most underrated streaming service out there. Both their original movies (Wolfwalkers, On the Rocks) and TV shows (Servant) have become more and more successful, and their production quality unquestionably makes dozens of studios jealous. With that in mind, I believe an indie flick with a narrative like Palmer’s would always suffer at the box-office in a standard theatrical distribution, so I’m genuinely glad Apple caught it because I wouldn’t be surprised if it ends up as one of my favorite films of the year. I’ve seen Fisher Stevens before, but never in the director’s chair. I’m surprised at how much this movie positively impacted me. Cheryl Guerriero’s screenplay might not be groundbreaking or incredibly innovative, but it follows an extremely efficient formula that, when written and directed in the right manner, hits most viewers’ hearts. Boasting well-written, captivating dialogues that feel real, Palmer tells a cliche yet fascinating story featuring two exceptionally inspiring characters who can undoubtedly serve as a beautiful influence to many viewers going through similar life issues. Ryder Allen interprets Sam, a bullied kid with a remarkable amount of self-confidence and pride, even though he lives in a trailer with terrible parents and is made fun of by his school colleagues. He doesn’t let other people control his choices or what he likes, independently of what happens. His will and ultimate happiness in dressing up as a princess, having tea parties, or simply being “different” from everyone else (as described in the film) can have an extraordinary result in the audience, mainly kids. Regarding Ryder’s performance, I have no doubt he will be a heavy contender in categories concerning young actors since he delivers a heartfelt display that made me tear up by the end of the movie. When it comes to his adult counterpart, Justin Timberlake portrays Eddie Palmer, an ex-convict trying to get back on track after losing over a decade of his life due to an admittedly grave crime. However, as the character is presented and developed throughout the runtime, it becomes relatively easy to emotionally connect with Palmer. Even though his imprisonment was more than fair, Palmer demonstrates to be an altruistic, loving person who truly wants to redeem himself while admitting that he’s far from being considered “normal”, consequently creating an unbreakable bond with Sam. Timberlake genuinely surprised me with a grounded, experienced performance. In the end, it’s the astonishingly honest connection between Palmer and Sam that elevate the screenplay into such an inspirational narrative. There are other impactful and interesting relationships, namely between Palmer and Maggie Hayes (Alisha Wainwright), as well as between Palmer and his grandmother, Vivian (June Squibb). These characters significantly impact Palmer’s life, and the actresses were up to the task. However, Shelly (Juno Temple) is a terrible parent who I couldn’t feel sorry for, not even after certain acts of compassion that are meant for the viewers to forgive the character. Technically, just a quick praise to Tamar-kali’s subtle score that hit me in the right moments. I sincerely hope that this Fisher Stevens’ indie flick finds its audience at home because it’s a heartwarming, enlightening, emotionally compelling story of redemption and self-acceptance. Palmer might follow a generic formula that any viewer has seen at least a few dozen times, but Cheryl Guerriero’s well-written, efficient screenplay is brought to life in an incredibly authentic, genuine manner. The wonderful bond between Justin Timberlake and Ryder Allen’s characters is the film’s heart and soul. Both actors deliver outstanding performances, as well as the rest of the cast, but it’s the cliche yet heartfelt narrative packed with meaningful messages that ultimately brings up tears to the eyes. Despite the failed attempt to make the viewer feel compassion for Juno Temple’s character, Apple TV+ offers another highly commendable movie to watch with your family. Rating: A-