Release Date: 2/10/2009 Original Release: 2008 Format: DVD Length: 129 minutes Rating:PG-13 (MPAA) Rating Reason: for language including sexual references, some alcohol abuse, smoking and brief disturbing war images UPC: 031398105374 Studio: Lions Gate Home Entertainment
One might expect sparks to fly when one of America's most controversial filmmakers decides to take on America's most controversial president. Oliver Stone's biopic of George W. Bush, however, is rather gentle on the president; and, while the film clearly paints Dubya as a fool and makes no excuses for the debacle that has been his presidency, it does offer a surprisingly sympathetic character study of the man behind the chaos.
Told in a series of flashbacks that play as his greatest hits, W. portrays Bush (Josh Brolin) as a privileged yet decidedly lost soul. Stone makes light humor of the president's frequent malapropisms and complete lack of intellectual curiosity, but he places the dramatic focus on Bush's desperate attempts to get respect and acceptance from his father. While Bush's backstory and psychology make for relatively interesting drama, his place in history has nonetheless been formed entirely by his eight years as president. In this area, Stone's film offers almost nothing new; however, what W. lacks in revelations and insight, it makes up for with some wonderful performances. The supporting cast--which includes Ellen Burstyn (as Barbara Bush), Richard Dreyfuss (as Dick Cheney), James Cromwell (George H. W. Bush), and Jeffery Wright (as Colin Powell)--all offer nuanced performances that perfectly balance impersonation with genuinely evocative acting. Elizabeth Banks is both sympathetic and understandable as Laura Bush, presenting a woman who stands by her man not simply out of loyalty but also out of love. Brolin must also be given credit for a performance that deftly avoids parody in favor of something born from a true actor. In the end W. is a somewhat unremarkable film, yet its very existence is shocking; in that respect, it almost perfectly mirrors George W. Bush and his rise to power.
DVD Features
Keep Case Full Frame - 1.33 Widescreen - 1.85 Audio: Dolby Digital 2.0 - English Dolby Digital 5.1 - English Subtitles - English, Spanish Additional Release Material: Deleted Scenes Audio Commentary: Oliver Stone - Director Trailers: Original Theatrical Trailer Featurette: 1. Dangerous Dynasty: The Bush Presidency 2. No Stranger to Controversy: Oliver Stone's George W. Bush DVD-ROM Features: W. Research and Annotations Guide
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I'm not a fan of Oliver Stone. I'm not a fan of George W. Bush. Putting those two things together and then deciding to watch a movie about a recently departed and vilely despised president is a... Read the whole review at MatchFlick
Posted on March 17, 2009
Reviewed by: Chris
As I am against the Bush Administration, I found 'W.' to be a very well made and fascinating film, on the horizon of both a comedy and docu-drama. I have always enjoyed Oliver Stone as a director,... Read the whole review at MatchFlick
Posted on February 15, 2009
Reviewed by: Movie Addict
Everything I needed to know about George W. Bush I learned from the late great Molly Ivins, and the fact that I was a Texan while he was Governor. I have no intention of rehashing his Presidency in... Read the whole review at MatchFlick
Posted on April 1, 2009
