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We may still be a year away from our next presidential election, but we’re already drowning in the same old political chaos. But if you aren’t entirely skeptical about the candidates, their promises, and their campaigns, the political comedy Our Brand Is Crisis should take care of that.
Our Brand Is Crisis stars Sandra Bullock as a political strategist known as Calamity Jane. Though she’s been living a quiet life in the mountains for the last six years, she’s convinced to come out of her retirement to advise a candidate in the Bolivian presidential election. The candidate, Pedro Castillo (Joaquim de Almeida), is seen as elitist and unlikable. He’s also 28 points behind in the polls. And in order to help him win, Jane will have to go head-to-head against her old rival, Pat Candy (Billy Bob Thornton).
Based on the 2005 documentary of the same name, Our Brand Is Crisis explores the business, psychology, and downright manipulation of the political process in a way that’s both amusing and terrifying—though not necessarily new or surprising. People like Jane and Pat don’t handle campaigns based on conviction and personal beliefs; they’re getting paid to do whatever it takes to win. And that means spinning the facts, spreading rumors, and quietly undermining the competition. It’s often underhanded and petty, but it’s also wildly clever and sometimes wickedly funny.
Bullock is perfectly cast as Jane. Though the role was originally written for a male star, she never seems out of place. Instead, she gives the character a good blend of smarts and sarcasm—with just the slightest touch of heart to keep her from being entirely unlikable. Jane may be cold and calculating, but she’s also damaged—and she’s good at what she does because she knows her limitations. She knows that she can’t get too close to the people—she can’t worry about the actual politics—or the humanity of it all will chip away at her tough exterior.
Thornton’s Pat, meanwhile, seems perfectly happy with the questionable morals of his job. He plays the game—and he enjoys every devious move he gets to make. He’s a creepy character, but Thornton seems to revel in it. He plays off Bullock well, too—and their ever-escalating rivalry makes for an entertaining campaign comedy.
Our Brand Is Crisis isn’t a groundbreaking exposé about corrupt campaigning practices. You’ve most likely seen it all before. But with Bullock and Thornton sparring as a pair of fictional political rivals, it’s far more enjoyable (and less maddening) than sitting through yet another evening of presidential debates.
Listen to the review on Reel Discovery:
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