Young Washington
The Hollywood Reporter • • entertainment
Key Points:
- The film *Young Washington* portrays George Washington’s early military career during the French and Indian War, focusing on his ambitions and challenges as a young man.
- Despite historical accuracy in battle depictions, the film suffers from unconvincing digital effects and a lack of depth in exploring Washington’s inner character.
- The screenplay’s declamatory dialogue and the performances of well-known actors, including an over-the-top Andy Serkis, contribute to the film’s stiff and sometimes distracting tone.
- Shot in Ireland rather than Virginia, the film emphasizes patriotism heavily and incorporates a “Pay It Forward” marketing campaign urging viewers to promote the movie as a patriotic duty.
- Overall, *Young Washington* feels longer than its two-hour runtime and aligns with the traditional, somewhat stodgy style of historical dramas about early American history.
