Irresistible

 

My favorite genre is comedy, and more to the point is that I especially admire satire. Then when it's coupled with political satire, it becomes even funnier, mostly because there is so much fodder when politics are involved. There have been political satires created in the past, but when I viewed "Irresistible", I suddenly realized that there ought to be more comedies like this.

This story is about what happens when a small town becomes the main attraction for two rival political consultants. Top Democratic consultant Gary Zimmer (Steve Carell) sees an opportunity to win back votes in America's heartland, namely Deerlaken, Wisconsin, when a video of a passionate farmer and retired Marine Colonel Jack Hastings (Chris Cooper) goes viral. After a long, hard day's work as a farmhand, Gary persuades the farmer to run for mayor. However, when the Republican National Committee counters him by sending in his brilliant nemesis, Faith Brewster (Rose Byrne), Gary is more than primed to up his game, turning this local race into a hilarious game of tug of war.

Others to round out the cast are Mackenzie Davis as Diana Hastings, Jack's daughter, Topher Grace as Kurt, Brent Sexton as Mayor Braun, Bruce Altman as Mr. Peeler, C.J. Wilson as Dave Vanelton, Will Sasso as Big Mike, Will McLaughlin as Little Mike, Alan Aisenberg as Evan, Christian Adam as Michael, Pat Fisher as Dot, Ian Covell as Daniel and Eve Gordon as Tonya Vanelton.

This was slickly directed by Jon Stewart ("Rosewater" '14). Considering this being only his second screenplay to his credit, I was awe-inspired. The way he played both Carell and Byrne off toward one another was amazingly effective due to their chemistry as being political enemies, however clearly still friends at the end of the day. They respect each other, at the same time one upping each other. This takes slick directing. It was also interestingly written by Stewart ("Rosewater" '14) plus a plethora of TV. This was an expose of what honestly goes on behind the scenes of a political battle replete with all the back-stabbing, brutal honesty without any compassion and what will win an election whether or not honesty is involved. I akin this film between "Our Brand Is Crisis" '15 with Sandra Bullock and Billy Bob Thornton and "Ides of March" '11 with Ryan Gosling, George Clooney and Paul Giamatti. There were a few inconsistencies with this, such as before the starting credits, there were clips and audio of the 2016 presidential election, however as this story unfolded, it was difficult to ascertain whether it was 2016 or today. Plus there was a small amount of choppiness, otherwise it was an enjoyable film with a lot to say, especially in addressing the political machine. It was also encouraging to see how non-partisan the film was. So many political films today are incredibly partisan, considering the brunt of Hollywood being of the Democratic ticket. Stewart wasn't bias. He basically went for the jugular on both sides of the aisle, and that's refreshing.

If you're a political junkie who likes a good comedy, this will be the film for you. I personally love satires, but this being one that has a political bent certainly didn't hurt it. This film was actually released, via the internet back in June because of the pandemic, so I decided to purchase it to view, so I could review it for your pleasure. If you'd like, one can certainly Netflix or rent this.

Out of 4 Stars: 3                                   Rated: R                                                  101mins.