First and foremost, I'm not some political nut. I vote because I feel it is my right to have my voice heard. I have never been a big fan of George W. Bush. He's made poor decisions and was not the best person to represent the most powerful country on the planet. Needless to say, I was skeptical when I heard there was not only going to be a movie about Bush, with a release date in campaign season, but that the greatest propagandist not named Moore was behind the helm.
W. tells the the story of the last President of the USA, George Bush, as he tackles the September 11 terrorist attacks. Through brief flashbacks, we see how he developed from a booze swilling malcontent to the charismatic politician who convinced a nation he could run it.
With Oliver Stone behind the camera, one would expect Bush to be portrayed as a dumbed down version of the man. However, Josh Brolin plays Bush very accurately. Bush is as much a product of his daddy complex as his poor vocabulary. Brolin has Bush down to a T, but doesn't exaggerate or emphasis the worst characteristics. In fact, the movie is more critical of Bush government and subordinates. Thandie Newton as Condoleeza Rice was so overdone I thought Thandie's face would cramp up from all the squinting she does. In fact, Colin Powell played by Jeffrey Wright comes off as the smartest person in the film. You can tell what Oliver thought of him....
All in all, it was enjoyable look at arguably the most controversial President ever. For the most part, Stone plays it with a deft hand. One can't expect Oliver Stone to keep a hold on himself for too long however, and he loses the film for long stretches.
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