We all know that the 2016 U.S. election was a colossal, gapping anal wound of a shit-show, and the world has paid the price since. Everyone has something to say about the results, and in the past three and a half years we turned to comedians to help us through it - because if we didn't, we'd cry ourselves to sleep every night. Jon Stewart - kids, he's the Trevor Noah before Trevor Noah, and the reason why we have John Oliver, Stephen Colbert and Steve Carell, just sayin' - is one of those comedic voices, but instead of trying to change the past, he's looking to the future in his sophomore feature film, 'Irresistible'. Due to global events, this is one of those films whose release has gone through the washing machine many times and is finally being spat out now. Fortunately for us, it's a new film to arrive on our doorstep when they're few and far between. Unfortunately, its release, just over two months out from the latest U.S. election, may seem like perfect timing - but once you see the film (if you see the film), it just seems like it's rubbing salt in the wound of a deeply broken system that will never change.
'IRRESISTIBLE' TRAILER
In the wake of the 2016 election, Democratic strategist Gary Zimmer (Steve Carell, 'Crazy, Stupid, Love') is shown a YouTube video featuring an impassioned retired Deerlaken, Wisconsin resident, Colonel Jack Hastings (Chris Cooper, 'American Beauty') fighting for voter rights at a town hall meeting. Thinking he could use the Colonel as a new Mayoral candidate to plant the Democratic seed in the swing state of Wisconsin, Gary heads off to work his magic. Once in Wisconsin, he's met by the colourful townspeople of this once-thriving city, but his presence sparks interest from the Republicans - and so enters Gary's counterpart and nemesis Faith Brewster (Rose Byrne, 'Bridesmaids') to liven up this small-town USA election. And It. Is. On.
It's interesting as a political commentary, but as far as laughs... it's pretty much a snooze.
Despite the incredible and comedically gifted cast and filmmaker, 'Irresistible' is... well, boring. Not boring boring, just dull. It's interesting as a political commentary but as far as laughs, pacing and general storytelling go, it's pretty much a snooze. There were some good jabs at the media and a sneaky poke at Hollywood's romantic age and gender disparities, which was enjoyable for half a second. If you're able to make it to the film's conclusion without falling asleep, there is a pretty decent payoff - but was it worth the journey? Eh, depends on your love and interest level on American politics and their wacky electoral system. I was expecting great things from Stewart and his former protégé, but alas my expectations were perhaps too high and the magic did not follow. Look, there's a lot of crap out there and you could do worse, but this is just an "okay" film. Sorry. Try again in four years.