Review Summary: Fascinating take on history has some slow and broken parts, but still works fairly well.
I was intrigued by the concept of The Current War. Bringing together three famous inventors and their ideas and turning it into a flat-out competition is about as entertaining as it sounds. Thomas Edison was one of my favorite historical figures in elementary/middle school, and I always liked reading about other electrical inventions (such as Benjamin Franklin's many inventions from the Revolutionary War era).
The most fascinating thing about this movie is how the competitive nature between Edison and Samuel Westinghouse later inspired the invention of the electric chair for criminal sentencing. It's an interesting idea that showcases some believably mixed emotions on the inventors' part. Edison (played nicely by Benedict Cumberbatch) in particular seems not too keen about the idea.
Most of the cast steps up to the plate. Tom Holland does a solid job being Edison's secretary, being given a couple of strong moments acting-wise. Michael Shannon is a perfect choice to play Westinghouse, providing a calm foil to the more emotionally-reactive Edison. A somewhat unrecognizable Nicholas Hoult does a nice job as Nikola Tesla, but the overseas inventor isn't given nearly as much to do as the others (due to story-related reasons). Meanwhile, Katherine Waterston (Fantastic Beasts movies) does a good job as Westinghouse's wife.
Edison and Westinghouse actually do not meet until the final 10 minutes of the film, and its' here where the movie skyrockets. Their conversation is one of the best scenes in the movie, and is a strong payoff for the previous 80 minutes. The remainder of the film doesn't quite engage nearly as well, mostly due to an unsettled pace.
I do wish that the middle of the film wasn't so full of science technicality and exposition. I did get a little lost in some of it midway through. Some humor would have been a nice reprieve. Now, people who are really into the minute details will have a blast with this film. But, for everyone else, it makes the ride at least a little less interesting as it goes on. Thankfully, the final 30 minutes correct this problem with some neat reveals and an interestingly-executed World Fair scene.
The cinematography makes some interesting choices, ones that are unique and fascinating and ones that could be a bit smoother. The production design nicely evokes the time period while brilliantly bringing to life the Chicago World's Fair as well. There's a nice payoff for Edison's invention of the motion picture camera from the beginning to the end that earns the surprise of the audience. Also, the intro of the film takes an interesting approach by introducing the characters with title cards. While an odd choice per se, it helps keep things distinguished and personable.
In the end, The Current War may not be an amazing film, but it has its' terrific parts. And these parts are enough to at least make for a relatively worthwhile experience.
My Score: 7.1/10
Content Concerns for Family Viewing...
Rating: PG-13 (for some violent content and thematic elements)
Recommended age range: 11 or 12 years old and up.
Language: Two uses of "g**d***", five more of "d***", and one of "h***" join one use of "C****t!"
Adult Content: Kisses between adult, married couples. Talk of seeing an exotic dancer.
Drugs/Alcohol: Cigars are smoked repeatedly. Bottles of alcohol are seen in the background (no consumption seen).
Violence: We see someone walking in with blood all over his face, turning himself into the authorities. Someone is killed in an electrical accident (we see the wires coil, and then a flash of light from outside). Someone collapses in an open field from a brain issue. A horse is electrocuted (off-screen, we see a tarp with the corpse under it). An electric chair is discussed many times for its' purpose of taking out criminals. We witness a public hanging where someone's neck is broken (the face is covered, but we hear the snap). We witness the first use of the electric chair (as it starts, no details are seen).
Other: Westinghouse and Edison go to extreme lengths to try and put the other out of business. Lying and deception play a role in this, including the claim that one's electricity can cause death.
