W

Category: Drama  |  Tags: drama

posted by: mutuel 76 days ago          

At The Movies

W (G) * * * *

Lame Duck?

By ROBERT WALDMAN

Director: Oliver Stone
Stars: Josh Brolin, Richard Dreyfuss
Studio: Lionsgate
Release Date: Oct. 17, 2008
Running Time: 130 Minutes
Audience Suitability: PG
Rating: * * * *

Grin and bear it is about all sitting American President George W. Bush can do when it comes to commenting on W, the new eagerly awaited movie from consummate director Oliver Stone (J.F.K.). Maple Pictures presents this big screen version of the troubled American president at Tinseltown (on Pender, free parking), Ridge Theatre, Empire Studio 12, Colossus and Famous Players Silver City cites around B.C.

Most films on historical figures, especially leaders, are done once the individual has passed on. Not so here. Stone takes an even-handed approach and effectively chronicles the life of George W. Bush, warts and all. Expect to learn more about this mercurial leader through 130 minutes of very insightful acting that pulls no punches and takes no sides as to the legacy of the man, which is still in the making.

Man of the hour Josh Brolin (The Mod Squad) somehow pulls off a damned good portrayal of this former governor who manages to wield his way to the highest office in the land. Lots of mileage is made of the relationship between Bush Jr. and Poppy (his dad). Babe’s own James Cromwell (L.A. Confidential) paints a pretty interesting portrait of the elder statesman with a host of actors stepping up to the plate when raw politics is laid bare.

Much attention in this film is obviously centered on the Iraq war. Cameras go inside the White House where we become privy to the interaction around the war room where policy is made. Just how close Stone’s version compares to actual briefings inside the Oval Office may be questionable but the performances of the actors cast in the roles of American Administration officials can’t be doubted.

Real tension explodes on screen over the issue of the weapons of mass destruction debate. Good use of real footage of events that occurred in Iraq and at the United Nations are meticulously interwoven with this fictional recreation of the Bush years. Hot exchanges between Vice President Chaney and General Colin Powell are riveting and unforgettable.

Oliver Stone deserves lots of credit for making a pretty good movie on the tumultuous life of George W. Bush. Brolin is outstanding but also great performances come by way of Richard Dreyfuss (Stake Out) as Dick Chaney, Jeffrey Wright (Casino Royale) as General Colin Powell and Elizabeth Banks (Slither) who delights as librarian turned First Lady Laura Bush.

Political junkees and the curious should all enjoy the trappings of W which shows quite a range of flavour, tracing Bush’s roots, his education, work experience and ultimate ascendancy to the highest office in the world.

Consider W to be another feather in Oliver Stone’s well coiffed cap.

Read more reviews by Robert at www.moviereviewssite.com