How ‘Civil War’ betrays its characters — and audiences

The buzzy war drama is absent the examination of causes and consequences central to great journalism.  ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌  ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌  ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌  Entertainment April 16, 2024 In trying to hedge its politics, 'Civil War' betrays its characters — and the audience Alex Garland's powerful war drama is ostensibly a tribute to the fourth estate. But the film is absent the examination of causes and consequences central to great journalism. SHARE       READ MORE ADVERTISEMENT 'Rust' armorer Hannah Gutierrez sentenced to 18 months in prison A New Mexico judge excoriated the 26-year-old Arizona woman, who loaded Alec Baldwin's gun with five dummy rounds and one lead bullet, which killed cinematographer Halyna Hutchins in October 2021. SHARE       READ MORE Inside the most unnerving scene in 'Civil War': 'It was a stunning bit of good luck' With a deeply disturbing turn by Jesse Plemons, one scene in "Civil War" encapsulates the film's combustible political balancing act. It almost didn't happen. SHARE       READ MORE ADVERTISEMENT 'Alienist' author Caleb Carr — grieving his late cat — reflects on his life amid battle with cancer Caleb Carr discusses grief and dying — subjects that linger over his new nonfiction book, "My Beloved Monster," and now loom over what might be the final months of his life. SHARE       READ MORE The best moments of Coachella 2024 in photos Check out the best images from L.A. Times staff photographers on the ground at the first weekend of the 2024 Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival. SHARE       READ MORE Robyn Dixon confirms her exit from Bravo's 'The Real Housewives of Potomac' Robyn Dixon, an original 'Real Housewives of Potomac' cast member, confirmed her departure Monday on her podcast after eight season on the Maryland-based show. SHARE       READ MORE 'We apologize': CBS vows to air Billy Joel milestone concert again after ending is cut off Some Billy Joel fans aren't loving CBS after its broadcast abruptly cut away from his100th show at Madison Square Garden. Here's how to see the full concert. SHARE       READ MORE ADVERTISEMENT Thank you for reading the Los Angeles Times Entertainment newsletter. Invite your friends, relatives, coworkers to sign up here. Not a subscriber? Get unlimited digital access to latimes‌.com. Subscribe here. Copyright © 2024, Los Angeles Times 2300 E. Imperial Highway El Segundo, CA 90245 1-800-LA-TIMES | latimes.com Advertisers have no control over editorial decisions or content. If you're interested in placing an ad or classified, get in touch here. You received this email because you opted to receive email communications from Los Angeles Times. Manage marketing email preferences • Manage email alert subscriptions or unsubscribe • Terms of Service • Privacy Policy • Do Not Sell My Personal Information • CA Notice of Collection FOLLOW