No matter which side of the political fence you sit on, everyone can usually agree on a great movie.
Gear up for the last lap of the 2012 election with a great political flick—we’ve got 5 great suggestions:
The Contender (2000, R)
Joan Allen, Gary Oldman, Jeff Bridges
Hands down, one of my favorite movies. Joan Allen plays Laine Hanson, a senator called up as a vice presidential nominee for Jeff Bridges’ president when the spot opens up due to an unexpected death. Facing torturous odds in the face of a smear campaign, Hanson stands tall. “Principles only mean something when you stick to them when it’s inconvenient.” Love, love, love.
Mr. Smith Goes to Washington (1939)
Jimmy Stewart, Jean Arthur
The Frank Capra classic and perfect for a crisp October evening. Gather the family for a black-and-white classic, featuring Stewart in his “other” signature role.
Game Change (2012)
Julianne Moore, Ed Harris, Woody Harrelson
Pulled from the pages of the bestseller of the same name, this HBO treatment is worth a watch, regardless of your politics. Moore is outstanding as Sarah Palin, and Harrelson’s portrayal of adviser Steve Schmidt is equally stunning.
Dave (1993, PG-13)
Kevin Kline, Sigourney Weaver
When it comes to presidential dramedies, I much prefer this to “The American President.” Director Ivan Reitman does a fantastic job weaving a touching, funny story of the immensely likeable Dave Kovic (Kline), whose spot-on impersonation of President Bill Mitchell lands him the role of his life.
All The President’s Men (1976, R)
Dustin Hoffman, Robert Redford
No list of political movies is complete without this movie—it’s a must-see in every high school political science or journalism class, one of Hoffman and Redford’s finest performances and a cautionary tale for politicians and journalists alike.
