In 1996, security guard Richard Jewell (Paul Walter Hauser) detected a suspicious package during a concert at the Atlanta Olympics. Initially hailed as a hero for saving hundreds of lives he is then vilified by the media and the FBI when investigations turn toward him.

At the age of 89 Clint Eastwood shows no signs of slowing down. As Director and Producer he has created a film that has a lot to say about the court of public opinion and in the main it is a thoroughly entertaining watch, albeit with a few odd slapdash moments that seem to increasingly enter Eastwood’s films thanks to his speed and economy of production.

The film is at its best when it focuses on its protagonist Richard Jewell. Brilliantly portrayed by Paul Walter Hauser in a role reminiscent of his performance in I, Tonya. A wannabe policeman who gets fired from his university campus security job and sees the Olympics as a way to be part of “Law Enforcement” again. Hauser portrays a man in a state of arrested development, still living with his mother (Kathy Bates) and one that certainly fits the “lone bomber” profile that FBI agent Tom Shaw (Jon Hamm) so desperately wants him to be.

It’s a really solid and enjoyable film but perhaps not one that you would return to. There is nothing showy or stand out here in terms of film making and performances are good all round but again nothing to linger on. Kathy Bates has been Oscar nominated for her role and although it is not surprising for the Academy Awards to offer accolades to people well thought of in the industry it does not stick out even as the best performance in the film. Jon Hamm, Olivia Wilde and Sam Rockwell all give good value as well. Rockwell as ever being incredibly entertaining.

So, how about Eastwood’s slips in quality then? It is incredibly nitpicking of me but there were two scenes in the film that had me literally staring at the screen in disbelief. Firstly, the concert in Centennial Park, which is part of the Olympics looked less busy than the annual local fireworks display that I take my children to, let alone any other concert or festival I have been to. Secondly, having spent a lot of time in Jewell’s apartment that he shares with his mother it is very disconcerting to see people walking into its kitchen and then disappearing when we know by now that there is no exit through that room. Possibly not as bad as the doll as baby in American Sniper, but lazy nonetheless.