CHAPPAQUIDDICK

CHAPPAQUIDDICK REVIEWED

“Chappaquiddick” isn’t the film that either side wants. While it treats the Kennedy case for what it is, it won’t deliver the bite that some people want. Hell, it also doesn’t treat Ted Kennedy fairly enough to appease the Left. So, what is there? If you said a slightly edgy historical semi-fiction about Ted Kennedy participating in the death of Mary Jo Kopechne….you would be right.

At this point in time, I don’t trust America to explore its history on film. We’re doing better than the days of having Ricardo Montalban playing a Native American for an older John Ford. Yet, we’ve entered into this weird new era as a country. American cinema isn’t allowed to show history for being ugly. Whenever something negative appears onscreen, it’s assessed a political value and then labeled as complete and utter bias.

Did the Chappaquiddick incident cost Ted Kennedy a shot at the White House in 1980? More than likely. But, the film tackles something bigger than political aspirations. The movie is about how friends and family deal with a would-be murderer in your midst. There is something to knowing evil, but not being able to recognize it infuriates the human consciousness. Given the nature of the Neocon movement in America, it’s no wonder he was their favorite target until Hillary Clinton tried for the top job.

I’ve been sitting on this film review for a bit, as I’ve become backlogged in my indie theatrical coverage. That being said, I’m also sitting on a Blu-ray copy of the movie that is begging for a screening soon. Stick around for Part 2.

FILM STATS

• 1 hr and 46 mins
• PG-13
• Entertainment Studios

RELEASE DATE: 4/6/18