Man of the Year (2006)

Netflix Synopsis: Directed by Barry Levinson, this comedy stars Robin Williams as the irreverent host of a political satire talk show who runs for president. But his stunt to expose Washington corruption goes further than he expects when he actually wins the election. Meanwhile, a software engineer (Laura Linney) suspects that a computer glitch is responsible for the surprising victory, but will she speak up? Jeff Goldblum and Christopher Walken co-star.

Review: So-so movie, not what I expected but not a total loss. Robin Williams is great, his forte is comedy and I love him in comedy movies more than the dark thrillers he has been showing up in lately. Comedy is where Williams made his mark and hits his stride, why mess with a good thing? Anyway, Williams plays a comedian in the movie and he shows a great balance of serious normal person and sharp witty political funnyman. It works. What does not work in Man of the Year is Laura Linney and her character. I never quite felt sympathy for her or her situation. It was a boring and forgettable performance. Jeff Goldblum’s character was uninspired and as dull as dishwater as well. The scenes with Williams are vibrant, funny and charming but when Williams isn’t there to carry the scene, that’s when the movie sputters like a candle near an open window until Williams breezes back into the spotlight to save Man of the Year from being extinguished for good.

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Submitted by: Brandy 3/29/07