W.

As W (Josh Brolin) meets in his office in mid 2002 determining whether or not to invade Iraq, he begins to flash back to influential moments of his life.  Filmed in traditional Oliver Stone style, the movie jumps back and forth through time like a rabbit on crystal meth, yet keeps the progression of the story.  The movie would be a great political satire if most of these events hadn’t actually happened. 

The acting in the movie is fantastic although at some points the scenes seemed like an all-star SNL skit.  Richard Dreyfuss disappears into the role of Dick Cheney.  My only complaint in the acting department is James Cromwell, who is a great actor, didn’t seem to make a good Bush Sr. 

As for the movie itself, a lot of Bush’s history is glossed over and many things aren’t even mentioned (cocaine use, election fixing).  However the movie does the job of capturing the character of the man.  Love him or hate him, you have to admit W is a compelling character.  Rated PG 13 Run time 130 minutes

Grade C