I, Tonya

I, Tonya is directed by Craig Gillespie (Fright Night) And stars Margot Robbie (The Wolf of Wall Street), Sebastian Stan (Captain America: The Winter Soldier), and Allison Janney (The Help). It tells the story of the rise and fall of figure skating legend Tonya Harding and the events surrounding the attack on Nancy Kerrigan.
     I had very little knowledge of the events surrounding this fateful event in American sports history. So a getting a chance to learn more about it was an exciting prospect. And the buzz around this movie was very positive with the cast being reason enough to give it a chance.
     The positives of the movie are most definitely within the performances. Robbie disappears into the character of Tonya Harding, showcasing emotion in what could prove to be a career defining role. But the standout for me was Paul Walter Hauser, who plays Tonya's completely inept security guard. His comedic delivery was special and the character's mindset provided some of the biggest laughs throughout.
     Perhaps my biggest issue with the film was a feeling of tone deafness. It was rough to watch the domestic violence that Harding faced throughout her life, first starting with her mother and then moving to her boyfriend/husband. The violence would be interjected with humor, leaving me as the viewer unsure whether I should be laughing at the joke or feeling empathy for Tonya. The film did not give enough time for both to be felt at the same time.
     At the end of the day, I, Tonya had enjoyable scenes but certain moments still do not sit right with me. I commend the actors involved, but cannot help but feel the film may have been helped if helmed by a slightly more experienced filmmaker.

When should you watch it?
Dollar Theater