“Get ready for a Politically charged joy ride of epic Proportions!”
Kathy Kaiser, Matinee Chat
VICE – Rated R – 2 hrs. 12 mins – MAY CONTAIN SPOILERS
WRITER/DIRECTOR: Adam McKay
STARRING: Christian Bale, Amy Adams, Sam Rockwell, Steve Carrell and Tyler Perry
Woah…hold on to your britches their little lady, as the film that will most certainly continue to stir the pot of controversy on the power wielded to our politicians has finally arrived ~ only we aren’t talking our present day state-of-affairs. We are heading back a few years to delve into the private and public life of political powerhouse insider – Former Vice President Dick Cheney (Christian Bale), and his bulling over – oh, wait a minute…His strong sense of guidance of former President George W. Bush (Sam Rockwell). With his wife Lynne (Amy Adams) by his side every step of the way, and his former mentor, turned side-kick Donald Rumsfeld (Steve Carell) assisting him in gaining his ultimate power on Capitol Hill too, VICE will take you on a politically-charged joy ride of epic proportions …as you are about to learn the ins and outs of politics “back in the day” via Adam McKay’s take on this very private, yet very powerful man…
I give VICE a rating of MUST SEE ON THE BIG SCREEN! Okay, let’s be frank here, at first, I was having a hard time deciding on if I was going to embrace McKay’s new film, or not, even though I loved the ambiance and creativity of McKay’s 2015 film – THE BIG SHORT so much, I decided I had to give this one a chance, as it is one enticingly entertaining film, every step of the way. I can also assure you that Dick and Lynne Cheney aren’t going to be signing off on their approval of this depiction of their lives before, or during the administration of George W. Bush. I can also assure you that I chuckled profusely at the fact that McKay covers his own tooshie about 5 minutes into this film, on the fact that this film might, or might not be entirely factual, as Cheney is, and was, a very private person you know! All I know is that even with my own political views being pushed and pulled, I still found the whole experience to be quite intriguing, and enjoyable. I think that I felt torn one minute, and compelled the next because it’s as if you are watching “the real Dick Cheney” himself the entire film, as Bale’s performance as the former VP is absolutely astonishing, garnering him his Golden Globe nod, and I am sure Oscar will be calling soon as well, for his superb performance throughout every inch of this film. And talk about going toe-to-toe with your hubby, Adams portrayal of Lynne Cheney is also fabulous every step of the way! Then when you add in the outstanding performances by Sam Rockwell as G.W., and Carell as Rumsfeld, you have one total powerhouse casted film that you must view on the big screen, and no other way! I was also enamored by the way that McKay manages to weave his own comedic spin into this film as well, giving it the same feel, relevance and creative license in the material he is depicting, as his did in 2015’s masterpiece, THE BIG SHORT! And even though I am strongly suggesting that every Republican, every Democrat, every person, regardless of your political affiliation see this film at a theater near you, I am sure that VICE will end up coming across as a “hatchet job” for some of the more Conservative Republicans throughout our great land, as it will probably fire up some of the staunch Democrats and Liberals throughout our country too, but, the bottom line is, regardless of where you fall in the political spectrum of our nation, VICE is one of those films that you truly must experience on the biggest screen you can find, and with it being released on Christmas Day, just think of all the even more high-powered political discussions it will garner around the table this evening, adding to the merriment of each of our family gatherings, and those unavoidable political discussions that always find a way to creep in…
Kathy Kaiser
MATINEE CHAT with Kathy Kaiser 