After the end credits, I cranked up the Internet to read some review of Palmer.
"Justin Timberlake aims for redemption in familiar drama," one review read, while others described it as "heartfelt but familiar," with a plot that contained "familiar material."
Familiar? Seriously?
When is the last time you watched a mainstream movie about a pre-teen boy who, despite being bullied by classmates, stays unflinching true to himself?
Name that movie where a child remains unwavering, despite being told constantly by almost everyone in his life that his perception of himself, his likes and interests, and his loyalties are wrong?
Where are all those movies with the familiar plot about a young child who is a better parent to his mother than she is to him?
Familiar my ass.
There are certainly parts of Palmer that are familiar. But any critic that describes Palmer as "familiar" isn't paying enough attention to Sam, a memorable character. made greater by the superb acting of Ryder Allen. He brings a genuineness and sincerity to a role that likely would have come across as flat and two-dimensional in the hands of a lessor-skilled actor.
Oh yeah, Justin Timberlake was pretty good as Palmer, the guy who learns from Sam that diversity and acceptance makes us better people. I wish Timberlake made more movies, he's a solid actor.
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