BlacKkKlansman Review: 8 Ups & 1 Down

Ups...

8. John David Washington & Adam Driver's Terrific Performances

John David Washington has quite the legacy to live up to, being the son of Denzel and all, but on the basis of his magnificent performance in this movie, he should be able to forge a note-worthy career on his own merits.

As a black man attempting to reconcile his ambition to be a cop with his desire to protect black people, Washington gives a performance by turns hilarious, heartfelt and impressively nuanced. With his considerable screen presence, charisma and unique vocal register, he is indeed his father's son.

Adam Driver, meanwhile, makes for a fantastic screen partner as Detective Flip Zimmerman, Stallworth's physical proxy as the pair team up to infiltrate the Ku Klux Klan. Driver's career continues to go from strength to strength, and his subdued-yet-charming performance here is alternately amusing and nerve-wracking.

The two-hander between the pair contributes hugely to the film working as well as it does.