So much for truth in advertising, as this film fails to be the comedy that it is billed as, but is instead a combination of Dave and The Net, where the worst of both films are brought together.
The philosophy of keeping it simple seems to have escaped writer/director Barry Levinson, who apparently felt that a comedic talk-show host being elected president was not enough fodder to fill 115 minutes, and thus felt the need to include a conspiracy that is as ridiculous in its conception as it is embarrassing in its execution.
Of course, the plot might have been better appreciated had it not been given away in the first fifteen minutes of the film. So the audience is left to laugh at the few moments of humor generated by Robin Williams, who seems restrained by the script and direction of the usually competent Levinson. Other than that, the most you will hear from the audience at this film is: “What were they thinking?”
Christopher Walken is his usual enjoyable self as Williams' manager, but the rest of the supporting cast borders on annoying. Laura Linney, in what would be the Sandra Bullock Net role, handles her assignment with the subtleness of a D-actress being chased by Jason in a Friday the 13th film. Perhaps that is why the release date was chosen?
The actors can only be saddled with so much responsibility here other than they should have impeached Levinson, as this failure resides primarily on his shoulders. He had Robin Williams playing a comedian/talk show host, in the mold of Bill Maher or Jon Stewart, who runs for and gets elected president. He had Christopher Walken playing the manager. How could that not be a hit?
How? Easy. Never let the story go where we all want it to, and where you are lead to believe it will by the commercials. Of course you certainly can’t blame the marketing department. No one would go see this convoluted mess if they tried to sell it any other way. This film is a huge disappointment, and exemplifies the often-heard statement: “They showed the best parts in the commercials.”
Article comments
1 - Justin
Movie Review- Man of the Year.
This is the best movie in the history of film. There has never been a movie like it released at such a perfect time in world history. A beautifully put together satire of US politics. Issues in this movie have long been begging to be brough up. Anyone who bad talks this film as an piece of art and commentary surely has been brain-washed by US politics. If you are looking for a comedy make sure that you are ready for this one. It is halarious but the viewer must have at least a little knowledge about the current politics of America. If you are a strong believer that US politics is legitimate then don't bother watching the film.... Something should be said about you... oh wait it already has been said. This movie should be praised as an anti-propaganda piece. I personally think the film is more powerful than 9-11.