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No matter where your vote is on the political spectrum, I think we can all agree that this election season has been dramatic. Here are seven political films to unite all movie fans. I propose a bipartisan resolution to have some popcorn. All in favor? Say “aye!”
“Dave” – A no-good commander in chief has a heart attack and goes into a coma. So his scheming chief of staff (Frank Langella) installs a presidential impersonator – temp agency owner Dave Kovic (Kevin Kline) – as a believable substitute. Dave might look like POTUS, but his go-gooder energy and affable manner set him apart as he navigates his way through cabinet meetings and budget decisions – and around the microscope of a skeptical first lady.
“Swing Vote” – Bud Johnson (Kevin Costner) is an average Joe from Texico, New Mexico. On Election Day, Bud’s precocious daughter Molly attempts to vote on Bud’s behalf, setting off an unlikely series of circumstances that places the outcome of the presidential election squarely on Bud’s shoulders. Both parties and candidates come a-courting – and a-pandering.
Michael Douglas in “The American President” (Universal Pictures photo)
“The American President” – Michael Douglas plays President Andrew Shephard, who has the unusual distinction of being a bachelor in the White House. It’s hard to date when you’re the leader of the free world, so when he meets a fascinating woman (Annette Bening) and begins a relationship, it’s no surprise that the press is relentless. It doesn’t help that a political rival (Richard Dreyfuss) is moving in for the kill.
“Lee Daniels’ The Butler” – Forest Whittaker plays Cecil Gaines – loosely based on real-life Eugene Allen – who gets a job as a butler serving the first family and ends up tending the needs of presidents from Eisenhower to Reagan and more. Over three decades, his professional capacity is unquestionable, but his relationship with his wife and son show the signs of stress.
“Election” – In a delightful black comedy, Reese Witherspoon stars as Tracy Flick, a determined Type A overachieving high-school student whose ethics are … questionable. Matthew Broderick plays her foil as the high-school government teacher who backs a likable athlete as her opposition for student body president.
“Wag the Dog” – A sex scandal on the cusp of the presidential election leads a presidential adviser (Anne Heche) to bring in some help: a spin doctor (Robert De Niro) who, in turn, brings in a Hollywood producer (Dustin Hoffman) to cook up a little fake war in Albania as a distraction from negative news for the president.
“The Distinguished Gentleman” – A professional con man (Eddie Murphy) uses name recognition to take his scam national when he decides to run for Congress. It’s the biggest game you can get – lux offices, swank fundraisers and all the perks that good government can buy. Just don’t develop a conscience!
© 2020 King Features Synd., Inc.
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