W [DVD]

Oliver Stone brings his undeniable talent to this biopic of George `Dubya' Bush.. supported by one of those to-die-for casts he seems to have at his beck and call. There's no question this is slickly put together, and that Josh Brolin is completely convincing as the title character .... but as a movie experience there is just something missing.Stone presents Bush as a follower rather than a leader. Someone who is driven by being under the shadow of his brother in his parents eyes, and whose political drive to succeed is a mirror of his drive to succeed in his father's eyes. Surrounding him, we have a veritable who's who of Hollywood acting as all the well known string pullers behind him and around him - most of whom are thinly drawn, not being the centre of attention - but of all of them, Richard Dreyfuss does a surprisingly good job of fleshing out Dick Cheney. There's a little jolt of energy whenever he has a moment on screen, particularly sparring with Colin Powell. But these are asides, with W's evolving character being the focus, and so as the movie goes on, we see Bush at different times of his life. From College pranks through trying to find a job he wants to keep, meeting Laura, becoming born again (watch out for a great Stacey Keach turn) and starting his political career.. all told non linearly, interspersed with the period of time that will dominate his place in history - going to war with Iraq.With all those fine ingredients however, it seems that something has been left out - some excitement, some dramatic hook to draw you in. Frankly, Bush's life, rather like his presidency some would argue, is rather dull. In the end, the enjoyment of the movie is in the details.. enjoying watching for Hollywood well known faces playing political well known faces, learning a little about Dubya's earlier life. But we don't come away much richer for the experience. Stone's interpretation of the man is valid, but never feels insightful enough or definitive, neither does it have the cinematic or dramatic energy of, say, `Nixon'. It's not a disaster, but neither does it sparkle. Sometimes interesting, never fascinating. Perhaps it is too soon, and looking back in twenty years or more this will be regarded in higher esteem.

Like Stones' other biopics of american presidents this is very well crafted. Josh Brolin does a great job starring as Bush jr, and in some scenes he is eerily lookalike. The film alternates between the time just before the invasion of Iraq, and episodes from W:s reckless youth. We get snapshots from the White House, Bushs talks with Powell, Rice, Rumsfeld, Rove and, of course, Cheney. The latter being the important man behind it all is being made clear. We also get episodes from W:s alcoholism, his "rebirth" and most important: the relationship with Bush senior. The heart of the story seems to be this relationship, where senior favors Jeb and find Jr hard to deal with, and where Jr feels patronized and so on. Actually I wonder how true this really is, I mean how much does Stone know about this? And isn't it unethical to speculate about another living man's psyche and shortcomings in a major movie like this, even if it it a former president? The events seems a little too recent for that. Of course, Stone doesn't sink to the garbage level of Michael Moore in this, and all in all the portrait is not wholly unsympathetic. Bush is not depicted as a scoundrel or demonised here. But still...

A great behing-the-scenes look at the factors that made this man to be rated "the third worst President in American history", according to various historians.We come away from this film feeling that this man, while clearly unable to deal with the demands of such a strenuous job, was set up by his family and others to have a poor self-confidence, leading to a failed life both before his presidency and in the job itself.Although we chuckle at his lack of knowlege and "Bushisms" at time, there is a certain sadness (and scariness) at seeing a grown man in the most powerful job in the world being manipulated by others or totally clueless as to how to solve a problem when utilizing his particularly brand of logic.Josh Brolin is so good as Bush he seems to be the real thing. His performance adds greatly to the impact of the film.

For anyone wanting a Bush bashing Michael Moore type movie then this fair minded film is not for you ! The people behind this interesting film have done right by open-minded viewers as it shows how George W Bush became the man that he is. He had a struggle with drink & not being able to hold down a job while having to compete with his brother Jeb for their Dad's affection. The cast do an excellent job depicting Rumsfeld , Cheney , Rice et al and Josh Brolin just has George W Bush to a tee.It is tragic that a man who set out to do good ended up with such problems - the well written script makes this very clear. There is much pathos & drama but with just enough wry humor to help things along. The editing is clever as it shows recent events of the Bush presidency and things from his past thus showing how he ended up being the man he is and why he did what he did. It could have been a mish-mash but thanks to the editors skill the movie flows very well indeed.For someone who wants to understand the Bush presidency and the man himself this is not a bad place to start.Amazon are selling this for a good price and so is a worthy addition to a drama lovers DVD collection.

Broslin gives a good portrayal of Bush. The film is divided between his substance abuse and some telling insights into the reason for the war in Iraq. I’d have preferred more about the consequences of the consequences of the Iraq war. I felt the film was too light in substance.

never too challenging but does show what was obvious to most. Americans would vote for anyone on the other side. they are often anti intellectual. Wars are seen as political tools. What is fasinating is that he is now being lauded by comparison as some kind of moderate and good leader. Again when the Trump film comes out Im not sure it wil tell us much more as real life is ridiculous enough.