The Journalist Review: Story, Cast, Rating & Final Verdict
Last updated: May 14, 2026
Movie Overview: The Journalist
| Movie | The Journalist |
| Release Year | 1979 |
| Director | Michael Thornhill |
| Genre | Comedy |
| Runtime | 83 minutes (1h 23m) |
| Language | EN |
Quick Verdict: Hit or Flop?
Is The Journalist (1979) worth watching? According to our cinematic analysis, the film stands as a AVERAGE with a verified audience rating of 4.8/10. Whether you're looking for the box office collection, ending explained, or parents guide, our review covers everything you need to know about this Comedy.
Cast & Character Study
The performances in The Journalist are led by Jack Thompson . The supporting cast, including Sam Neill and Elizabeth Alexander , provides the necessary layers to the central narrative.
movieMx Verdict: Is it Worth Your Time?
What Works in the Movie
While The Journalist does not fully realize its potential, it still contains moments that may appeal to viewers who enjoy Comedy films.
- Interesting concept or premise
- Some entertaining scenes
- Supporting cast delivers occasional highlights
What Doesn't Work
Despite its strengths, The Journalist has a few issues that may affect the overall viewing experience, particularly in terms of pacing and narrative consistency.
- Uneven pacing in certain parts of the film
- Some predictable plot developments
- May not appeal to audiences outside the Comedy fanbase
Story & Plot Summary: The Journalist
Quick Plot Summary: Released in 1979, The Journalist is a Comedy film directed by Michael Thornhill, written by Michael Thornhill. The narrative brings laughter through sharp writing and comedic timing, providing amusement while touching on deeper societal themes. It provides a scannable look at the movie's central conflict involving Jack Thompson as Simon Morris.
Ending Explained: The Journalist
The Journalist Ending Explained: Comedy about a womanizing journalist on a Sydney newspaper who confronts job problems and impotence in the context of Australian media and politics of the 1970's. Directed by Michael Thornhill, this 1979 comedy film stars Jack Thompson (Simon Morris), alongside Sam Neill as Rex, Elizabeth Alexander as Liz Corbett, Penne Hackforth-Jones as Gillie Griffiths. Rated 4.8/10, the conclusion has sparked discussion among viewers.
What Happens at the End of The Journalist?
Comedy about a womanizing journalist on a Sydney newspaper who confronts job problems and impotence in the context of Australian media and politics of the 1970's. A somewhat lesser Australian film comparable to the American film Shampoo.
Michael Thornhill's narrative builds toward a resolution centered on Jack Thompson (Simon Morris)'s journey. A somewhat lesser Australian film comparable to the American film Shampoo.
How Does Jack Thompson (Simon Morris)'s Story End?
- Jack Thompson: Jack Thompson's storyline wraps up in the final act, though some viewers have found the resolution more ambiguous than expected.
- Sam Neill (Rex): Sam Neill's role in the climax proves pivotal to how the central conflict resolves.
- Elizabeth Alexander (Liz Corbett): Elizabeth Alexander's character undergoes a significant shift in the final act.
What Does the Ending of The Journalist Mean?
The ending of The Journalist brings the narrative to a close, though viewer reception has been mixed. The resolution of Jack Thompson's story may not satisfy all audiences.
The Journalist Real vs. Reel: Is it Based on a True Story?
Is The Journalist Based on a True Story?
No, The Journalist is a work of fiction. While the comedy film directed by Michael Thornhill and starring Jack Thompson may incorporate realistic themes, the characters and plot are original creations.
Who Should Watch The Journalist?
Age Advisory: Rated Not Rated.
Consider Watching If:
- You're a completist for Comedy films
- You're curious despite mixed reviews
- You have low expectations and want casual entertainment
At just 83 minutes, it's a quick watch.
Where to Watch The Journalist Online?
Streaming Hub📺 Stream on
Amazon Prime Video
Amazon Prime Video with AdsThe Journalist Parents Guide & Age Rating
1979 AdvisoryWondering about The Journalist age rating or if it's safe for kids? Here is our cinematic advisory:
⏱️ Runtime & Duration
The total runtime of The Journalist (1979) is 83 minutes (1h 23m). Directed by Michael Thornhill, the film runs for 83 minutes in its complete theatrical version.
Verdict Summary
Analyzing the overall audience sentiment, verified rating of 4.8/10, and global performance metrics, The Journalist is classified as a AVERAGE. It remains an essential part of the 1979 cinematic calendar.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is The Journalist worth watching?
The Journalist is definitely worth watching if you enjoy Comedy movies. It has a verified rating of 4.8/10 and stands as a AVERAGE in our box office analysis.
Where can I find The Journalist parents guide and age rating?
The official parents guide for The Journalist identifies it as Not Rated. Our detailed advisory section above covers all content warnings for families.
What is the runtime of The Journalist (1979)?
The runtime of The Journalist (1979) is 83 minutes (approximately 1h 23m).
movieMx Verified
This review has been verified for accuracy and editorial quality by our senior cinematic analysts.
This analysis is compiled by our editorial experts using multi-source verification and audience sentiment data for maximum accuracy.
