The film "Young Washington", directed by Jon Erwin, offers a depiction of George Washington's early life and military endeavors but has been criticized for failing to significantly inspire or deeply characterize its subject.
The movie, rated PG-13 for some bloody images and strong war violence, runs for 125 minutes and is currently in theaters. It portrays Washington, played by William Franklyn-Miller, during a 1755 battle where he is shown running toward enemy French and Native American forces alone. A fellow soldier's stunned reaction, "He's making himself a target," is noted, with the scene presented in slow motion with swelling music.
Despite meeting its stated goal of showing "Washington! While young!", the film is described as "so-so" and is noted for not achieving much beyond that basic promise. Critics suggest it neither humanizes nor deifies the Revolutionary War hero, leaving him appearing "strangely milquetoast" and a striver without particular excitement or extraordinariness.
In contrast to other historical portrayals like HBO's "John Adams" miniseries or the musical "Hamilton," which have successfully captured inspiring figures, "Young Washington" is called a rudimentary tale. The narrative is said to lack edge or energy, with performances from the ensemble cast described as out-of-sync.
William Franklyn-Miller's portrayal of the young George is highlighted, with the actor's "skincare routine" appearance being questioned for a character meant to be an "earthy colonial" contrast to British officers. His "huh? whaaa?" air of casual bemusement and a "CW modern" sensibility are cited as stretches for a 18th-century worker who infrequently bathed. The review suggests his letters might be signed "xoxo George."
Supporting actors, including Kelsey Grammer, Ben Kingsley, Andy Serkis, and Mary-Louise Parker, are noted for unconvincingly existing in the past. Andy Serkis, as Edward Braddock, is said to "ham it up" within a script that offers little favor to his overacting colleagues.
The story begins with Washington's tragic childhood, his education by his older half-brother Lawrence after their father's death. Years later, despite his efforts, he is still looked down upon by the ruling elite, being told, "To be a British officer you must first be a gentleman." He is given an opportunity by Lt. Governor Robert Dinwiddie, portrayed by Ben Kingsley, to lead an expedition to the Ohio River Valley to confront the French. This role requires him to use a volunteer militia, described humorously by a friend as "an army of outlaws, debtors, slaves and, uh, patriots."
The film reportedly handles the initial battles of the French and Indian War adequately, showing smaller clashes that lay the groundwork for Washington's later Revolutionary War tactics by favoring surprise over ostentatiousness. The visual of soldiers loading and shooting muskets is mentioned as an engaging element.
However, the narrative's emotional impact is found lacking. The film dedicates significant screen time to Washington's romance with Sally Fairfax, which is described as "stiffer than a redcoat." His relationship with his mother, Mary, played by Parker, is also characterized as frigid.
Washington gradually proves himself to his doubters, facing setbacks including hundreds of casualties. The film concludes with him receiving a promotion and changing his outfit from red to blue, a typical origin story nod to his future role. The review concludes that the film lacks a clear, chilling moment that definitively establishes Washington's future greatness, leaving the viewer with a sense of disappointment.
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