Wag the Dog

Starring: Dustin Hoffman, Robert DeNiro, Anne Heche, William H. Macy, Denis Leary, Willie Nelson, Kirsten Dunst, Craig T. Nelson, Woody Harrelson (unbilled)
Directed by: Barry Levinson
Rating: R
Genre: Comedy
1997

Times Seen:
Tim: 2

Summary: In an effort to hide the sexual transgression of the President with a young girl days before the election, a White House aide (Anne Heche) turns to a crafty political expert (Robert DeNiro) and a Hollywood producer (Dustin Hoffman). The two decide to "create" a war with Albania. They shoot scenes against a backdrop and feed bits and pieces to the frenzied media. As the election looms closer, it will take more and more cunning to pull off a political curveball like none seen before.

Review:

Tim: Wag the Dog is hands down a great film. One of its strongest characteristics is the incredible cast assembled. Robert DeNiro and Dustin Hoffman are excellent together. DeNiro is brilliant in the role and Hoffman oozes of eccentricity. Denis Leary in a small role, more or less playing himself adds a comedic touch to a rather dramatic comedy, and even Willie Nelson is actually pretty funny.

Slightly less exciting is the rest of the cast. Anne Heche does nothing worth mentioning, William H. Macy has just a small role, Craig T. Nelson isn't much worth mentioning, and Kirsten Dunst, though good, has too small of a role to make a difference. Woody Harrelson in an unbilled role actually is pretty funny, in a grotesque sort of way.

I like Wag the Dog so much because the film is quite interesting (and somewhat frightening). This is a terrific American political comedy, and you will be amazed at how relatively easy it is to "create" a war to cover up a scandal. Now, I am well aware that nothing to this scale could so easily be carried about, but it makes you wonder a great deal about the truth in politics. This film is smart in every aspect, entertaining, but also making you think. Watch especially for the genius of Hoffman and DeNiro's characters, and how they overcome problem after problem.

I hope no one out there is turned off to this film simply because it is based in politics. Wag the Dog offers a very funny, thought-provoking, and occasionally frightening look at politics in America. If that doesn't sound appealing, then take a chance with this film for the impressive cast. This truly is quite a good movie. Plus, the title is brilliant.

Rating 1-10
Tim's Rating: 8



If You Enjoyed This Movie, We Recommend: Primary Colors, Heat, Rain Man, The American President, The Contender, Head of State