Preview: W. (2008)

• Poster: C-

Review:

This appears to be a teaser poster, suggesting either more in this series or a final product closer to release. If this is it, then it is woefully misguided.

• Trailer: B; A-; B

Review:

I can see exactly where this film is going to cause quite a stir. While the trailer has certain biting satirical elements, it seems to match what many of us know about the current president of the United States. The film is releasing before the general election and it's possible this could impact the new president negatively. It seems like a stirring rebuke of George W. Bush as his last few months in office come to a close. I'm not sure if it will be a terrific film, but I'm impressed by what I have seen so far.

The first preview showed us very little of the performances, instead hoping to set it up as a semi-historical film. This trailer does a lot more in giving us an insight into the performances in the film. Josh Brolin does a rather good impersonation of George W. Bush. The trailer still doesn't give us an idea how good it will be, but it does give one hope.

More does not always mean better. Expanding many of the images presented in the first and second trailers, this extended trailer is salvaged largely by the Cars song. Otherwise, the film doesn't look like a lot and some of the impersonations are immediately ringing false instead of true as they had previously.

Oscar Prospects:

It's really difficult to tell whether this will sink or swim with the Academy. On the one hand, it's a satirical dark comedy about the life of one of the worst presidents in U.S. history. On the other hand, it's a satirical dark comedy about the life of the president of the United States. It's going to ruffle feathers and it's going to be controversial. Either this can be successful like JFK or a minimal success like Nixon or a fialure like World Trade Center. Time will tell.

Release Date:

• October 17, 2008

Full Review Synopsis:

I have not seen this film.

-Wesley Lovell (August 3, 2008) Original

-Wesley Lovell (September 28, 2008) New Trailer; New Poster

-Wesley Lovell (October 12, 2008) New Trailer