FilmSnobReviews

Title: I, Tonya
MPAA Rating: R
Director: Craig Gillespie
Starring: Margot Robbie, Sebastian Stan, Allison Janney
Runtime: 2 hrs

What It Is: Tonya Harding (Robbie) is known for two things. Being a really good figure skater, and being accused in a plot to injure another figure skater and banned for life from figure skating. When a plot by her idiot ex-husband Jeff Gillooly (Stan) plots to send a death threat via letter it all goes south and the guys they hire, who are equally idiots instead take out a hit on “rival” skater Nancy Kerrigan (Caitlin Carver). All the while Harding is fighting against the white trash persona her handmade costumes and evil waitress mother (Janney) have helped to craft in the snobbish world of figure skating.

What We Think: Margot Robbie is absolutely stellar here. Not only does the Aussie beaut embody the white trash princess vibe of Harding but she and Janney play off of each other like vinegar and water. It is this relationship that pushes the narrative and with that Robbie’s Harding. She wants to show that she’s isn’t who the judgmental…judges think she is. Sadly her boyfriend/husband/ex-husband doesn’t help. This is due to Stan’s wonderful performance.

Our Grade: A-, Robbie is revelatory! Not only is she a powerhouse but working against Janney you really get a sense of just HOW good she is. I recommend this film very highly. If you get a chance to check this one out you should definitely do so. Margot Robbie just nabbed an Oscar nomination for her role here, an award she will not win. Janney however, is the front-runner for supporting actress but we’ll get to that in a video later. We’re closing in on the end of 2017’s films we have only 4 films left. What will finish in the top ten?