Bob Roberts
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Movie Reviews of Bob Roberts
Movie Review: Celebs paid to spout views-accidentally entertain
Summary: 3 Stars
Much to my consternation, many celebrity friends of Tim Robbins (Bob Roberts) and Susan Sarandon (Tawna Titan) were very vocal in their disapproval of the recent Iraqi engagement. They did this for free using their celebrity-access to the press to expound personal views. Ten years ago they were getting paid (I assume) to film this heavy-handed, although thought-provoking to be sure, political message under the guise of satire to attain the same goal. I purchased this film 'used' for one-cent, thereby purposefully not helping their cause. Hey, even the non-famous can make a statement.'Bob Roberts', presented as a documentary, was their attempt to reveal to an uneducated populous just how easy it is for a corrupt right-wing candidate to mislead the unsuspecting voter by playing on the voter's emotions and by making use of the great 'political machine' and the press. Make no mistake, the group of liberals responsible for this film truly believe the conservative-right is naive and totally not paying attention. Ergo, 'Bob Roberts'. I am guessing they weren't entirely successful, given the limited popularity of the film. However, by sheer accident they succeeded on several unintended levels.
The film is entertaining and revealing, as well as frightening. It is possible for a conservative to view the points of the 'other side' without being brainwashed, but without question the public can be mislead by politicians and the government. But be aware and beware, this talent of misdirection is not restricted to conservative politicians. Liberal politicians are masters at manipulation as well. Voters of both parties need to be informed - period.
Every young actor in the film, (in addition to Robbins we see; James Spader, Peter Gallagher, Ray Wise, John Cusack, and many, many others, as there are more cameos in this film than you'll find in any jewelry case) presumably appearing to disclose and support their personal political stance by association, resembles a liberal politician in their physical appearance (some young Kennedy to be exact) much more than any conservative. Thereby proving actors are NOT wolves in sheep's clothing, just wolves in wolves' clothing.
Fanatics are fanatical regardless of their views. Giancarlo Esposito (Bugs Raplin,) the lone reporter bucking the tide of Roberts' over-blown patriotism, finally relates all his 'facts' in the same maniacal manner as any other whistle-blower. Whether the information one is endeavoring to disseminate is true or false, one is better served to retain some semblance of sanity when to trying to inform. I think they missed their mark a bit here; their personal intent would have been better served if this character had been a little less over-the-top.
I happened upon this film in an effort to view the entire work of Alan Rickman. While I was already knowledgeable about the political views of most of the cast, Rickman has done a much better job (to his credit) in keeping his personal political views to himself. In any event, Alan (Lukas Hart III), consummate actor that he is, gives his usual top-notch, right-on-the-nose, flawless performance. Like most of us, he looked hotter than ever 10 years ago (though he is nothing less than gorgeous to behold even now). The voice, the bearing, the talent are all there intact and serving to make him stand out in this cast of ho-hum talent even more than he normally does. The vehicle is just not important when Alan appears on the screen. I could watch Rickman buy groceries and be mesmerized.
Search amazon.com for a used copy of this video (I feel safe saying this, because they do not show they are selling new copies) and be entertained while you watch the lengths individuals will go to make a point. While you are about it; count the cameos, make note of who is on what side (if that is important to you), and most of all - behold Alan Rickman, master actor, ply his trade. That last item makes it all worthwhile!
Movie Review: Right On the Nosey!
Summary: 5 Stars
I agree with "A Viewer from USA", this movie SHOULD be shown in every school and movie house in the United States. Regrettably, I'm afraid most Americans in today's more-aggressively-conservative-than-even-Reagan's-administration climate would take seriously and embrace the message sent by Robbins' candidate Roberts. The songs sung by candidate Roberts in the movie would likely not be taken for the satire they are and instead be adopted whole-cloth by many in 2003 America (which is why Robbins never released a movie soundtrack of "Bob Roberts"). A chilling and demoralizing thought indeed. Robbins' message retains its vitality and legitimacy even 11 years after its release. Indeed, perhaps its message is even more accurate and necessary today ( April 2003) than it was in 1992.
Movie Review: Prerequisite for Voters
Summary: 5 Stars
This is a very important movie. See how politicians manipulate the masses. Also note how the same arguments to attack Iraq in 1990 are being rerun today in 2003. This movie should be shown in every high school and college and theater around the world. Tim Robbins has really created a masterpiece.Movie Review: The Best Film Ever Made About Politics and Power in America
Summary: 5 Stars
How do you give a film more than five stars? For "Bob Roberts" is the best, bar none, film about politics andpower in the United States. It is entertaining; it is enlightening; it is an amusing, satirical romp that time has not rendered out-of-date. Indeed, ten years after its release, it is more timely than ever.
This is due in part to Tim Robbins' deft talent for poking all sorts of holes in the balloons of the sanctimonious prigs who comprise the right wing of the nation's political spectrum. But, above all, it is due to the presence in the film of our greatest living writer and man of letters, Gore Vidal.
Vidal's portrayal of incumbant senator Brickley Paste (D-PA), under siege from a folk-singing "rebel" Neanderthal (of course, Bob Roberts), is pointed, ironic and above all else educational. For in his regretably short time on the screen, Vidal lays open for us his view of recent American history, all in that tired but wise man of the world way he has of stating truths that no one else (save people like Christopher Hitchens) has the guts to say.
"Bob Roberts" is ultimately a film that brings us beneath the surface of American politics; and for this reason I suspect that it will never become as popular as other great political films, such as "Mr. Smith Goes to Washington" and "The Last Hurrah." For these are the films that depict politics as we would like it to be ("Mr. Smith") or at least as we can tolerate it to be (" The Last Hurrah"). They do not however depict politics as it has become. In this respect, "Bob Roberts" is the perfect sequel to "The Last Hurrah;" but the substance of its message is so painful that only the most ardently committed to civil liberties and a republican (small "r")form of government can bear
it.
Movie Review: Broad Satire
Summary: 1 Stars
This movie is a satire on conservative politics. It is mean spirited, and obvious. Bob Roberts reminds me of Bill Clinton more than any conservative. So maybe the movie has an unintentional irony that makes it worth watching. It does have cameos(look for the Seinfeld connection), and it is Jack Black's first movie.