Man of the Year

Starring: Robin Williams, Christopher Walken, Laura Linney, Lewis Black, Jeff Goldblum, Tina Fey
Directed by: Barry Levinson
Rating: PG-13
Genre: Comedy, Drama
2006

Times Seen:
Tim: 1

Summary: Political comedian Tom Dobbs (Robin Williams) decides to run for President as part of his commentary on the political process. However, after a computer glitch, he miraculously wins the election. This throws the whole political process into chaos as a comedian gets ready to enter the White House.

Review:

Tim: This probably could have been a good movie. Barry Levinson has pulled off a successful policital dramedy before (Wag the Dog). However, this film quickly wears out its welcome. It is not particularly funny, and its political commentary is weak. The film really steals from men like Jon Stewart and Stephen Colbert. Both of those men are intelligent and hilarious- and both are much more Presidential material than Robin Williams.

Robin Williams is the film's biggest liability. I just never really bought him in this role- neither as a political comedian, or as a man who could actually be President. The script doesn't give him much room to be funny, and drama isn't his specialty. He's not great in the film. Laura Linney is stuck in an absolutely awful role. Her scenes completely derail this movie. This not Linney's fault, but come from absolutely terrible writing in the script. The rest of the cast are only lukewarm. Jeff Goldblum is fairly maniacal in his role. Christopher Walken evokes a surprising amount of emotion from his role. The cast isn't great by any stretch.

Man of the Year could have been a biting, memorable commentary on the American political system. However, the movie wanders far too much. You have computer glitches, corrupt corporations, a pathetic romance, and so many other factors that the movie ultimately descends into chaos. This movie shot for the stars, but never really gets off the ground.



Rating 1-10
Tim's Rating- 5



If You Enjoyed This Movie, We Recommend: Wag the Dog, Sphere, One Hour Photo, What Dreams May Come