As a marketer and graphic designer, I appreciate a film that highlights the effectiveness of advertising. As a moviegoer, it's even more satisfying to see that effectiveness be used in attempt to bring about justice. Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri does all of this and more as it tells the story of a woman seeking answers on the stalled case regarding her daughter's brutal murder.

Woody Harrelson and Sam Rockwell do great jobs navigating their characters through their personal conflicts, which directly affect and inhibit resolving the film's primary dilemma. But it's Frances McDormand, with her stoic demeanor and headstrong performance as Mildred Hayes, who maximizes the entertainment value of Three Billboards, harboring a stern and straightforward worldview while simultaneously and organically bringing a range of emotion to her story.

Because of this, the 115 minute long film can fluctuate between comedy, empathy, and heartbreaking tragedy in a natural fashion. The fascinating thing I realized about Three Billboards, though, is that by absolving itself of the need to resolve every conflict in a tidy manner, the movie is able keep it's storytelling concise, simple, and effective...just like the sharp message posted on billboards outside a small town.

Acting and Casting - 2 | Visual Effects and Editing - 2 | Story and Message - 2 | Entertainment Value - 2 | Music Score and Soundtrack - 2 | Reviewer's Preference - 2