The Public
2018
Action / Drama

The Public
2018
Action / Drama
Plot summary
An act of civil disobedience turns into a standoff with police when homeless people in Cincinnati take over the public library to seek shelter from the bitter cold.
Director
Top cast
Tech specs
720p.BLU 1080p.BLUMovie Reviews
Deep film
Well intended and humbling tale... A pleasant watch
This is a surprisingly delightful film. Surprised by the marks it's received on this site, as seems a generally negative opinion from the mainstream critics and lukewarm from the rest. Fair enough, but really it's a basic humbling tale.
Old star favourite Emilio Estevez is still looking great, and is incredibly the director, writer & main star of this movie. He is a librarian who finds himself helping a standoff in a library for the homeless against the establishment. There is a fine stellar cast to support Estevez including Alec Baldwin, Jeffrey Wright, Christian Slater and MK Williams, and they all play their roles well.
This is a tale that thankfully avoids the worst possible cliches & schmaltz that could have occurred in the writing. It walks a fine line. The good side is the humanity it shows across the character. Excluding Christian Slater's desperate politico, all the other characters are written with some empathy. MK Williams stars as like a man whom his former foes in The Wire would have been targeting. 'Rhymefest' steals the show as one of the homeless in a wonderful portrayal which is touching.
In truth there is nothing taxing here for any of the actors, but it's wonderful for all the actors, and the on-screen camaraderie makes it a joy to watch.
It's a well made movie which I'm certain all will enjoy. Fine humour and direction, and deserves more credit than it's got so far from what I can see. It's no big budget movie, but does what it wants to say & do perfectly.
If you want a pick me up, then grab a coffee and please give this one a viewing. A very pleasant watch.