Bob Roberts (1992)

American Political Movie #4

Synopsis: It’s 102 minutes of the world’s worst folk music punctuated with scenes of right-wing lunatics running, yelling and screaming.

Blurb From the VHS Jacket: “Tim Robbins stars as BOB ROBERTS, a radical folksinger turned senatorial candidate, in this satirical comedy that blends his campaign trail with singing, music videos and scandal.”

What Did I Learn?: It’s apparently quite easy to fake an assassination plot, and pin it on a totally innocent man in a room full of journalists, with a video camera recording everything.

You Might Like This Movie If: You know this is just fiction; the people of Pennsylvania would never elect such a right-wing doofus as their Senator.

Really?: 1) See “What Did I Learn?”. 2) So wait – Roberts’ (jet black!) campaign bus is filled stockbrokers trading on international markets? WTF?

Rating: Bob Roberts is one of the most obnoxious, unpleasant and unfunny “comedies” I’ve ever watched. Tim Robbins set out to create a crude and angry caricature of American conservatives and he succeeded beyond his wildest imagination (although none of the liberals in this movie – the ineffectual Senator, the unprofessional news anchor, the Cutting Edge Live staffer – come out looking very good, either). Robbins’ folk songs are painful on the ears, and there are far too many scenes that descend into chaos, but the biggest problem with Bob Roberts is its structure: the main character is completely unlikeable (and not in a funny, or charming fashion), and instead of facing challenges to overcome, he seems to cruise from victory to victory. While Bob Roberts received many glowing reviews, and some may appreciate its take on the folks who would later be termed “Tea Partiers”, Robbin’s self-indulgent harangue left me with a headache. I cannot recommend this movie. 1/10 stars.

Would It Work For a Bad Movie Night?: Not unless you want everyone to leave.

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0103850/