This movie actually surprised me a little bit. Instead of a hammed-up political farce, Robin Williams and the filmmakers turn out a delicate balance of humor and drama.
While the premise of the film is not very likely (a John Stewart-esque comedian runs for President as a joke at first but then stirs things up plenty good during the campaign and winning based on an easily detectable though ignored computer glitch), Robin Williams makes it shine just the same. A computer programmer (Laura Linney) discovers the glitch and tries to warn everyone, but is kept quiet and discredited by her employer, who just received a hefty contract for his new, yet faulty, voting machines to be used just about everywhere.
Linney eventually meets up with Williams and they seek to find and disclose the truth, even if it means sacrificing the office of the Presidency (which he didn’t actually win anyway). Overall, it’s charming and unique and pretty well done. It was good to see Robin Williams in a more subdued comedic role, which I think is more appropriate for his age and something he should stick with. He’s still in top form while being aware of his limitations, which I appreciated.
This movie actually surprised me a little bit. Instead of a hammed-up political farce, Robin Williams and the filmmakers turn out a delicate balance of humor and drama.
