Synopsis:
From George W Bush's inauguration, it has been
an interesting presidency to say the least.
W chronicles the life story of George W Bush as
taken from numerous books based upon accounts of
the presidents life as well as from his three
autobiographies. Oliver Stone weaves the
tale together in this all star cast film sure to
inspire emotion and opinion no matter what side
of the isle you reside.
The Freak's Rating:
A : I voted for George W Bush in 2000.
I strongly felt he was the best man for the job
in 2000. I respect the man, but do believe
there have been many errors in his term. I
have since voted Democratic as well as
Republican. I felt I needed to make a few
statements so my review won't seem biased one
way or the other. When I first saw the
previews for W, I heard the criticism
from Fox News in my head. A film by a
crazy Hollywood liberal (who also happens to be
one of my favorite filmmakers) about a sitting
Republican President? I figured the right would have
a field day ripping this film to shreds.
The poster (above) said only two words...Get
Ready. I was very ready for it and excited
as well.
Academy Award nominations should be all over the
place for W. Direction and production are fantastic in
this film, keeping a brisk pace for over two
hours and never once losing my interest with
unnecessary scenes.
Josh Brolin IS George Bush in an amazing
recreation of his accent and mannerisms.
James Cromwell, one of America's great character
actors, is flat out perfect as George HW Bush.
Richard Dreyfuss, Scott Glen and Toby Jones are
all amazing as well as members of the cabinet. The only blemish of
acting is Thandie Newton as Condoleezza Rice.
Newton is over the top in her delivery, so much
so that you would expect it to be caught during
filming and dealt with. I'm still puzzled
on that one.
The
style of W fits with Stone's usual forte.
Comedy, drama and history are blended together to give
you a documentary feel.
The story is based upon numerous books and does
present points that one would find difficult to
argue against. W has admitted in his
autobiography that he sometimes envisions
himself in center field of the Texas baseball
team he managed, catching fly balls. Who
can't believe that he still has those thoughts
when times get tough. W's father was an
enormous supporter of Jeb Bush's campaign for
governor of Florida and was quoted saying W
should have waited to run. Can you imagine
living in the shadow of your brother and always
trying to impress your father?
W is
a fantastic movie that I'll purchase. I
had a great time watching it and was entertained
from beginning to end. I left the film
feeling sorry for W and wanting to take back
many of the insults and jabs I'd verbally sent
his way. W's legacy is yet to be
determined, but if this movie is accurate I
honestly hope it turns out well for the man.
Fox News never did attack the film, partly
because those who see it realize it isn't just
an attack on the man and rather a empathetic
storytelling of a man and his rise to power,
based mostly on true accounts. There are a
few moments where you can see Stone's liberal
spin, but for the most part it comes off
even-handed in presentation. This is worth a see for anyone, regardless of
party affiliation.
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