Man of the Year needs a recall

By Frank D'Adamo
Collegian Staff
October 18, 2006

When audiences go to see a movie, they usually have some idea of what they’re going to get out of the genre. In the instance of Man of the Year, the viewers presumed they were getting comedy. However, when it comes to showtime, comedy isn’t the only element. Thrills and suspense also fill up most of the film, a mixture which doesn’t fit too well with the end product of Man of the Year.

Man of the Year is directed by Barry Levinson and stars Robin Williams, Laura Linney and Christopher Walken. Williams’ character is a talk show host who is constantly mocking the failure and corruption of politicians. He is eventually approached by an audience member to run for president, an offer he ultimately accepts.

The first hour is dedicated to Williams’ presidential campaign and his actual election into office. However, it is discovered by Linney that the electronic ballot has a glitch in it, and Williams may not have won the election. With the issue being approached by the designer of the ballot, Linney places herself in troublesome situations that make the movie become a suspenseful drama rather than a comedy. Man of the Year produces a few laughs, but then becomes too serious.

There are some good parts to the movie that make it enjoyable. Williams delivers some funny lines throughout the film that will have people laughing, despite the fact that he was the only one that made the Man of the Year somewhat enjoyable.

The suspense part of the film comes off as over-the-top, as several characters’ lives are threatened due to a mere mechanical error. It’s also jarring when mixed with the comedic element of the movie. It’s like watching two separate films. However, based on the circumstances, Man of the Year could have had potential to be a decent movie with the right approach.

Unfortunately, the overall product of Man of the Year wasn’t good. Despite the fact that there is a strong moral to the story about how a political leader should always be honest with his country, Man of the Year is still not worth recommending. There were too many twists and turns that instead of making it laugh-worthy, made it headache-prone.

dadamof1@lasalle.edu