PRIMETIME Review

In 2006, To Catch a Predator host Chris Hansen sets out to make television history.

Robert Pattinson has come a long way since Twilight 18 years ago. That film has its audience, but since then, the actor has shown his deep range as a skillful entertainer. With this latest film, Primetime, he takes what performances should be on the big screen to new heights that should be applauded. While a few of his shining moments are a bit exaggerated with his portrayal of Chris Hansen, who hosted To Catch a Predator from 2004 to 2007, he is still able to sell this transformation into one of the better acting achievements of the year. He’s simply dynamite and will be remembered for his attention to detail, mannerisms, and charisma as he brings to life one of the most popular shows in television history.

He shares the screen with other great performances as well, including Skyler Gisondo (Dan Plumb) and Merritt Wever (Andie Bender). Director Lance Oppenheim (Some Kind of Heaven) also has a unique vision for telling the story of the popular show. It’s very stylized, with quick edits, sparkling visuals, and a tone that latches onto your attention span and never lets go. However, this is unfortunately short-lived, lasting only through the first act of the film.

While initially the pacing is focused and concise, after a while, the nature and adrenaline rush of discovering the nuanced details behind the making of the show gets lost and never finds its way back home. In simpler terms, it gets boring. There end up being too many subplots about Chris Hansen’s personal life without any true conclusion that’s worth your while. You may say to yourself, “I thought I was watching a film about the production, and the rise and fall of To Catch a Predator,” but it eventually turns into a lost documentary about Chris Hansen’s personal life.

It also feels like an attack on the man, which seems to be completely unnecessary. Should portions of his life be included in the film? That depends on what you’re looking for. If that is what was sold during the marketing of the film, then maybe. But in the end, it feels like a distraction from the main theme of the film, which is the show itself. It also comes across as punishment toward the host for shining a light on the disgusting nature of pedophiles who prey on minors. The audience is showing up to see the inner workings of the show, not what Chris Hansen does in his personal life. The predators should be in the lion’s den, not the host.

What’s also unfortunate is that this film is only one hour and fifty minutes, because it feels like an eternity. If the film were as focused as it is at the start, this would be something to rave about. But in the end, the story doesn’t live up to the great performances, and while it’s still slightly entertaining, it doesn’t reach its full potential.

My Rating : 7/10