Ten Stars or Less

Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri is/was a real masterpiece in terms of storytelling, character development, and action. I’ve never been a fan of Frances McDormand, but wow she won me over in this role, a role almost tailored made for her. She should be considered for an Oscar and be a heavy favorite. Her dry sense of humor is what stirs the pot and the plot. Ultimately she is upset with the lack of response from the local police in solving her daughter’s murder, so she turns the town upside in attempt to get closure. Her personal life is truly a mess and although she is not down for the count, she’s going down swinging and taking everyone with her. The story is solid from start to finish and there’s no racist joke that the script didn’t call for, but there was something missing after Woody Harrelson departs the story. He is a great guy and a great cop, just sometimes the breaks don’t happen and law enforcement’s hands get tied. Together with the ever so talented Sam Rockwell, this rock’em sock’em police force has to deal with one really pissed woman and some other stupid people who live in this small town. Just when the story is set and stone, that it will go down a particular path, it gets completely flipped and goes different directions you didn’t even see coming. I hated Rockwell’s character, which you may too, but after a gut check moment he will change for the best. I got to be honest and say even the crappy parts of the film are entertaining, which made this one of the best movies I watched this year. The subject material or the jokes won’t be for everyone, but if you make it past that and appreciate the award-winning performances from the cast, then you might just stop by the road and read the Three Billboards Outside of Ebbing Missouri. 9/10