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Deric Spoils The Movie

Man of the Year (2006) By Deric Kempsell

Man of the Year (2006) By Deric Kempsell An enjoyable Robin Williams movie…what? What would happen if a comedian (the likes of Jon Stewart, etc.) ran for president—, and won? Such is analyzed in Man of the Year, starring Robin Williams. Williams is comedian Tom Dobbs, host of a popular political comedy show. After a suggestion from a fan, a grassroots movement ignites to put Dobbs on the presidential ballot in 13 states. Dobbs continues to gain momentum across the nation and is even invited to appear in a televised debate. Meanwhile, across the country, the Delacroy Corporation is celebrating the successful implementation of its electronic voting machines for use in the presidential election. As their stock skyrockets in value, one employee, Eleanor Green (Laura Linney), notices a computer glitch that results in the winner being determined by the letters in their names, not by the number of votes they receive. She voices her concerns to the CEO, and in a bit of corporate espionage, her apartment is burglarized, she is drugged, and subsequently terminated from the company. Ridden with guilt, Eleanor sets out to tell Dobbs in person that he is not really the president elect. Then she falls in love with him. Then there is a scandal. Then she’s nearly killed by the Delacroy Corporation. Then, it’s nearly the end of the movie. Hooray beer! Merely “a jester in a king’s court,” Dobbs doesn’t feel it’s his place to govern the nation. In stepping down, Tom Dobbs becomes Time magazine’s “Man of the Year” (hence the title), and in turn becomes more popular than ever. He marries Eleanor. Man of the Year is successful in that it reigns in much of Williams’ stereotypical comedy stylings (funny voices/hand gestures) and gives him an outlet to present his humor in a fresh way. Lewis Black and Christopher Walken supplement the cast nicely. Wherein much of the plot is seemingly implausible from the ridiculously easy computer glitch in the voting system, to the fact that Eleanor was able to meet Dobbs as president elect while masquerading as an FBI agent, Man of the Year is funny and represents entertainment that you can take your parents along and not embarrass anyone. Man of the Year (2006) starring Robin Williams, Laura Linney, Christopher Walken, Jeff Goldblum and Lewis Black is directed by Barry Levinson and rated PG-13 for language including some crude sexual references, drug related material, and brief violence. Opening in Wide Release This Week: Catch a Fire √ Synopsis: An ordinary man becomes a fighter against apartheid in South Africa. Prediction: OK, sure. We’ll see. Maybe. Probably not. Who knows? Saw III √ Synopsis: Jigsaw returns for this eagerly anticipated sequel. Prediction: Gruesomely fantastic! Also Playing This Week: The Departed √ Synopsis: An undercover cop and criminal informer race to discover each other’s identity. Verdict: Martin Scorsese at his finest. Employee of the Month √ Synopsis: A lowly retail worker feebly attempts to win the affection of the “new girl” at work Verdict: Dane Cook: Overrated? Yes. Funny? Also yes. Flags of Our Fathers √ Synopsis: Clint Eastwood directs the story of the soldiers at Iwo Jima immortalized in the famous photograph. Verdict: Raise a flag over yet another Steven Spielberg-produced war epic. Flicka X Synopsis: A teenage girl adopts a horse against her father’s wishes. Verdict: The chances of anyone apart from teenage girls enjoying this film are about as good as Republicans keeping control of congress this November. Gridiron Gang X Synopsis: The Rock and Xzibit star as the coaches of a youth detention football team. Verdict: Like the friend who overstays his welcome, its time for a new movie to replace this one. The Grudge 2 X Synopsis: The curse continues to spread… Verdict: Seriously, just wait for Saw III. Don’t waste the money. The Guardian √ Synopsis: Ashton Kutcher stars opposite Kevin Costner as members of a Coast Guard rescue team. Verdict: Eh, pretty solid given it stars Kevin Costner. Jackass: Number Two √ Synopsis: More stupid stunts than the first! Verdict: Now we know where they’ve been hiding since the show ended. Jet Li’s Fearless √ Synopsis: A skilled Chinese warrior faces foreign might in the battle arena. Verdict: Also check out Unleashed on DVD, it’s tight as well. Marie Antoinette X Synopsis: “Indie” portrayal of the prerevolutionary French queen. Verdict: Sofia Coppula: your dad makes good wine and mob movies. I expect more from you in the future. The Marine X Synopsis: After being discharged, a marine must rescue his family. Verdict: And, we’re gonna pass, yeah. Open Season X Synopsis: Animated adventure of a grizzly bear and mule deer on the run from hunters. Verdict: Yet another film that’s overstayed it’s welcome in theaters. The Prestige √ Synopsis: Tale of a powerful rivalry between two Victorian period magicians. Verdict: I’m so moist for this film right now. School for Scoundrels √ Synopsis: A school for geeks and the hilarious shenanigans surrounding it. Verdict: Read my last review, nerd. Texas Chainsaw Massacre: The Beginning X Synopsis: Prequel to the horror classic. Verdict: Negatory good buddy. Neg-a-tor-y. Classic Movie Spoiler: Mrs. Doubtfire (1993): Synopsis: Slacker Daniel Hilliard (Robin Williams) is experiencing a messy divorce with his wife (played by Sally Field) and she is denying him the right to see his children. Therefore he undertakes drastic measures; transforming himself into a woman so he can pose as a nanny for the children. Hilarity ensues. Spoiler: In one whirlwind evening Daniel’s cover is blown to his ex-wife, and to his boss. He quickly recovers and transforms Mrs. Doubtfire into a successful television show for children. Yay!