(rated R, 120 mins) …wins! A political thriller that takes us behind the scenes of power plays. But unlike its predecessors “The Seduction of Joe Tynan” or “All The President’s Men”, this story delivers a twist. When is the public crossing the line on how much is private vs. public record about our leaders? And, what if that leader is a female? Jeff Bridges plays the President in search of a running mate in Joan Allen, a current female Senator. The selection meets with opposition from members of both parties, in particular a powerful political adversary (Gary Oldman) who delivers his usual outstanding, flawless, over the top, haunted character study. As secrets from Allen’s fraternity days at Harvard are delivered, the parties attempt to strip the roar from the woman. Yet, she refuses to kiss and tell. Christian Slater portrays young Congressman Webster, a patriotic go-getter torn between what’s right, what’s wrong and what’s going to get him that promotion into the Oval office. From its intense opening to its surprise conclusion, the movie delivers how much politicians strive on public recognition. The visual and verbal metaphors balance well with some funny lines including Allen’s “If sex is being used for leverage, the one thing you don’t want is a woman with her finger on the button that isn’t getting laid.” It’s smooth, it’s intelligent and it’s destined for Oscar buzz for Allen and Oldman, but first may open the sealed casket on women in high places. Perhaps someday the now “White House Boys Club” will make a place for women members.
