Man of the Year Widescreen Edition DVD with Robin Williams, Laura Linney, Lewis Black (PG-13) +Movie Reviews +Used DVD available for Swap

"Perception Of Legitimacy Is More Important Than Legitimacy

Brian E. Erland | Brea, CA - USA | 02/24/2007

(3 out of 5 stars)

"The '06 release of the DVD `Man of the Year' is a tale of two movies not so cleverly disguised as one. It begins like a house on fire leading the viewer to expect this to be the comedy of the year, a tour-de-force by the incomparable Robin Williams as talk show host and comedian Tom Dobbs, soon to become the president-elect of the Unite States. With the presence of Christopher Walken in the role of his personal manager Jack Menken the movie appears on track for a laugh a minute feature.

However all the clever and funny political ranting and raving that distinguishes the first half of the film are sadly and unexpectedly put aside for a not so intriguing conspiracy drama that pushes what Robin Williams does best into the background where he is forced to passively watch the second half of the film wind down into mediocrity. Robin does fire up the comedic monologue again just before the end and thankfully is able to partially save what would have otherwise been a major disaster.

Too bad director Barry Levinson couldn't make up his mind about what kind of film he wanted to make. 'Man of the Year' had the right lead man and cast in place for what could have been a cultural classic to rival Sidney Lumet's 'Network' from '76. What happened Barry?"

Bipartisan Movie

Paul J. Moriarty | North Adams, MA United States | 10/15/2006

(5 out of 5 stars)

"A funny movie that reflects people's general feeling of disgust with today's political system. No matter what political party you belong to, if any, you will love this movie. Robin Williams stars as a comedian/talk-show host who campaigns as an independent candidate for President because he's tired of both Democrats and Republicans and wants to give America an alternative choice. He becomes Ross Perot on speed. I sat through this movie thinking "I might vote for this guy" and, when the movie ended in the theater, people actually stood up and applauded indicating how it was hitting home. I can't wait to see the Director's Cut to find out what was left out! It's a must see and a must own!!!"

A Hidden Treasure

Grey Wolffe | North Waltham, MA United States | 03/06/2007

(4 out of 5 stars)

"Robin Williams has created a movie that tells us so much about ourselves and who Americans think they are. It hasn't done as well as it should have because it's not as funny as people expect it to be. What it is, is a try at making a movie that tells about the dangers of corporate greed and the way that people look at elections.

Some of the satire is so subtle in places that you need to watch it two or three times. Listen very carefully to the answers of the other candidates at the debate, and to their comments at other times during the movie.

Robin Williams character is a cross between John Stewart and Ralph Nader, but Lewis Black almost steals the movie as his writer. It would be interesting to know how much of the movie was ad libs between the two.

In the end though the movie cops out by letting there be a re-election between the same two bozos, and one of them goes on to do the same old same old, so it's disappointing in that way."

Strange, this is Good Satire

Bennet Pomerantz | Seabrook, Maryland | 10/28/2007

(4 out of 5 stars)

"In Man of The Year, Robin Williams plays a comedic talk show host Tom Dobbs. One set of viewers suggest him for politic office. It starts a grass roots campaign for President of the United States. This film is a good satire on politics

Suddenly, his comic rants make sense to Americans. With the political season starting up, this film is timely and to the point.

Barry Levinson who directed Williams in Good Morning Vietnam Good Morning, Vietnam (Special Edition), keeps a loose rein on Williams in his rants. And if this is film is scripted, you would never know. Williams makles this text his own.Williams's comedy in this movie is part satire and part stand up comedy

Surrounded by a supporting cast (Christopher Walken, Lewis Black and Laura Linney) that truly supports its lead actor. This makes this comedy work better than most poltical satires (like Wag the Dog or Primary Colors). The problem is the sub plots with Linney of a rigged election and Walken's illness that seems not to work for me

There are moments of sound gaps in Williams's Stand up, but it ma,es it most like a political banter

The problem is the ending seems too pat for my tastes. It gives a great punch and then end falls flat and does not work for me.

If you LOVE Robin Williams, you will overlook the faults and enbrace this film with open arms

Bennet Pomerantz AUDIOWORLD"

Finally a Role that Fits Robin Williams

Grady Harp | Los Angeles, CA United States | 03/06/2007

(4 out of 5 stars)

"After a spate of roles that Robin Williams elected to play to prove he can be other than a funny guy, roles that were dark and foreboding, along comes the surprise film MAN OF THE YEAR and Williams has the opportunity to shine in both his unbridled comic banter and his more serious and even tender side. The film was marketed with a Thomas Jefferson cum George Washington wig atop Williams' head and for this viewer that was enough to avoid the film in theaters. But don't be fooled by that bit of chicanery and foolish choice of PR: this film has so much truth about our political system that it is a springboard for the best in comic writing.

Tom Dobbs is a late night talk show host with a political slant (read Bill Maher type etc) who responds to an audience question 'Why don't you run for President?' by deciding to do so, much to the chagrin of this manager Jack Menken (Christopher Walken in a wonderfully underplayed role at last!) and writer Eddie Langston (Lewis Black). Dobbs is just fed up enough with the government being run by people who have to pay off the lobbyists that get them elected and the big corporate supporters and spend money on everything BUT the people they serve: he seems to be as likely a candidate as any - and the public via email and media support prove him correct. He debates as an Independent candidate with both the Democrat and Republican and wins the debate hands down. AND he is elected.

But there is a problem: The new voting system is by a computer company run by Alan Stewart (Jeff Goldblum) and workers Eleanor Green (Laura Linney is a terrific role) and Danny (the hunky and fine David Alpay). Eleanor discovers a glitch in the computer program that reveals that Dobbs did not indeed win the election and the rest of the film is how she confronts Dobbs with the truth and how Dobbs and crew deal with it. Suffice it to say that Dobbs' manner of coping makes us wish that he indeed were the President!

The cast is strong and for this viewer the fine balance between comedy and true drama that writer/director Barry Levinson achieves is not only the stuff of fine film making: it is also wise and should be viewed by a very wide audience. Robin Williams manages to be both his inimitable funny self as well as offer a touching three-dimensional performance of a citizen at odds with the current political system. And Laura Linney adds yet another fine role to her ever-increasing repertoire. Highly recommended. Grady Harp, March 07
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	Man of the Year Widescreen Edition Actors: Robin Williams, Laura Linney, Lewis Black, Christopher Walken, Jeff Goldblum Director: Barry Levinson Genres: Comedy, Drama, Mystery & Suspense PG-13 2007 1hr 55min ON A LARK, THE HOST OF A LATE-NIGHT POLITICAL TALK SHOW DECIDES TO RUN FOR PRESIDENT. THE THING IS, HE NEVER EXPECTED TO WIN.
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