Politicians Gone Wild!

First let me start off by congratulating President-Elect Barack Obama on his victory over Sen. McCain. Whether you are a Republican or a Democrat, this was a very exciting election year, and either way history would have been made. It's about time real life caught up to films in this regard. I won't share my political stance here, it is not the venue, I just hope some good things will be accomplished in the coming years. Perhaps one day this election will make for a good movie, but in the meantime let me share with you some of my favorite political films.

Tom Clancy is an amazing writer, and his books make amazing films. I will call them the Jack Ryan series here, as he is the main character in the stories that have been adapted. Ryan has been portrayed by Alec Baldwin in 'The Hunt for Red October', Harrison Ford in 'Clear and Present Danger' and 'Patriot Games', and most recently by Ben Affleck in 'The Sum of All Fears'. I must say Harrison Ford's portrayal is my favorite, but Baldwin and Affleck did outstanding jobs themselves (and I haven't been Affleck's biggest fan). In 'Red October', Sean Connery's Captain Ramius is piloting the brand new, super-secret sub of the title, and it is up to Ryan to not only find the sub, but also what Ramius is up to. Sam Neil gives a dazzling support performance. 'Clear and Present Danger' has plenty of action and lots of suspense to please any moviegoer, with a support cast that includes James Earl Jones, Willem Dafoe, and a young Benjamin Bratt. The Suburban scene is shown to CIA agents as a training video to this day. 'Patriot Games' continues to follow Ryan, with Sean Bean as an IRA terrorist threatening Ryan and his family. 'The Sum of All Fears' was made as a prequel although the book is not, however, it is still a pretty powerful movie. Affleck is supported by Morgan Freeman as they attempt to track down a missing nuclear weapon. Feel free to rent them all on a rainy or snowy weekend.

One of the most classic political films ever made had a nice face lift a few years back. 'The Manchurian Candidate' is a wonderful movie, and although it hits close to home in the update, it is still very entertaining. Angela Lansbury is so wicked in the original, it's hard to watch another episode of 'Murder She Wrote', but Meryl Streep is decidedly twisted herself. Denzel Washington takes the lead in the new picture, with an exceptional performance by Liev Schreiber in the original Frank Sinatra role. For those who enjoy conspiracy theories, this one is for you.

Oliver Stone has had a few flops recently, but I'm personally looking forward to 'W'. For now, though, I will continue on the conspiracy train and tell you to watch 'JFK'. Sure, Kevin Costner's accent has an amazing disappearing/reappearing trick, but the idea of the plot to kill President Kennedy is so...convincing...you barely notice. Huge supporting cast.

'Dave'. Yes, that is my name, but that's not why I like this comedy about a regular guy who gets to play the President. Kevin Kline and Sigourney Weaver are great together, with a classic Charles Grodin popping in and out. Fun movie for those not into the serious stuff.

Wolfgang Peterson has directed two good political movies. 'In the Line of Fire' has Clint Eastwood as an aging Secret Service agent who is handpicked by a would be Presidential assassin in the form of always creepy John Malkovich. Rene Russo supports as a sexy, albeit unrealistic, love interest. And 'Air Force One' has Harrison Ford playing the President on the formidable aircraft against terrorists lead by another great maniac actor, Gary Oldman. Glenn Close supports as the hard yet hopeful Vice President. Another set of suspenseful action flicks, this time without the corruption abound.

Although technically not a film, I highly recommend the HBO miniseries 'John Adams' with Paul Giamatti in the title role. This seven part series features tremendous performances by every actor which includes Laura Linney as Abigail Adams, Tom Wilkinson as Benjamin Franklin, David Morse as George Washington, Stephan Dillane as Thomas Jefferson, and many others.

There are, of course, many more political films out there, so feel free to share your favorites...or even campaign against mine! But remember to focus on the issues and not just sling mud! I am the Movie Doc, and I approved this message.