Movie Review: Man of theYear

October 18, 2006 02:28 pm

— Man of the Year (Comedy: 1 hour, 54 minutes); Starring: Robin Williams, Christopher Walken, Laura Linney, Lewis Black, and Jeff Goldblum; Director: Barry Levinson; Rated: PG-13 (Strong language, violence, sexual innuendo and mature themes) Movie Review: Directed and written by Levinson, ‘Man of the Year’ is a seeming mix of the political satire ‘Bulworth’ (1998) and the mysterious ‘The Manchurian Candidate’ (2004). Here, Tom Dobbs (Williams) is a comedian and an American political satirist on current events, pop culture, and more running for the big office, President of the United States. While warming up an audience before his show airs, a member of the audience states Dobbs should run for President of the United States. Half-heartedly and with bit of cynicism, Dobbs runs for office, competing well against Democrats and Republicans. Surprisingly, he wins. Or does he? When a newscaster in this movie announces, ‘... the free world will now be led by a comedian.’ Jack Menken, played by the always dependable Christopher Walken, utters, ‘Whoops.’ The expression can apply to ‘Man of the Year.’ ‘Man of the Year’ is smartly written by Levinson (‘Good Morning, Vietnam,’ 1987; ‘Rain Man,’ 1988; and ‘Wag the Dog,’ 1997). Too bad he does not do as good of a job directing. What could have been a great intelligent dramatic piece with plenty of laughs is underscored by over-the-top shenanigans of Williams. As an actor, Williams overacts, as if inebriated or suffering from adult Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder. While the message is good, the deliverance is not as keen as other political films such as ‘Bulworth’ (Director Warren Beatty), ‘Primary Colors’ (Mike Nichols, 1998), and others. After the late 1990s, Levinson has slowed and is not as intense. The movie has its moments, just not always delivered with tangibility. At a presidential debate, Tom Dobbs states, ‘If you’re representing special-interest groups, maybe we should be like NASCAR with the little patches on the back: ‘Enron: We take your money and run!’’ The lines are clever, but ‘Man of the Year’ is impractical Ñ no way Democrats and Republicans would let an independent win Ñ but it still works as an enjoyable, light comedy with some thrills. While definitely not the man of the year, ‘Man of the Year’ is at least a man of the month. Grade: B- (Elections results are better than average.) Adann-Kennn Alexxandar is a contributing writer to Valdosta-Lowndes County Preview and The Valdosta Daily Times.