Palmer

      

     Rising just above a "Lifetime" movie, this new drama stars Justin Timberlake as an ex-convict trying to put his life in order after serving 12 years in prison. He returns to his small southern town and moves back in with his grandmother played by June Squibb. 

     What saves the film from sinking into melodrama is the terrific performance by Ryder Allen as "Sam" the young son of Palmer's neighbor, a "trailer trash" drug addict played by Juno Temple. Mr. Timberlake gives an understated performance but once Sam comes into his life, the film takes on a new life. When Sam's mother disappears for an extended period, Palmer gets an opportunity to bond with Sam in an unusual friendship.  Sam is "different" from other boys his age, preferring to play with dolls and watch fairy princess cartoons on television. What make him unique though is his early acceptance of who he is and that strikes a chord in Palmer.

      This is a story of acceptance and redemption that while honest, is far from subtle.  You can telegraph the entire story as it unfolds, from predicting the actions of the stereotyped characters to the final outcome. Young Mr. Allen is a revelation however, and a joy to watch.  There is true chemistry between him and Mr. Timberlake and their scenes together convey real emotion. 

          Fans of Mr. Timberlake will enjoy him in the title role but the film is an Apple+ exclusive and if you don't have Apple+, you really won't be missing anything. A far better film with similar themes of acceptance and redemption is "The Peanut Butter Falcon".