The situation in My Fellow Americans confirmed for me that there’s a new trend in movies wherein the president is presented as an untouchable criminal, not as an object of respect (Nixon, Murder at 1600, Absolute Power). That idea being presented in a comedy struck me as an interesting twist, even if two of the serious movies in this new category haven’t been released yet.
I had originally planned to give this movie a higher rating — maybe three stars — because it is rare to see a comedy that is actually funny. The characters are likeable (especially James Garner’s character), the situation is fresh, and the execution is competent.
But having had a day to think about the movie, I find that it is fading from my memory fast; the novelty is wearing off. There was nothing in the movie to make it last longer than the walk out of the theater lobby. So if you’re up for a good chuckle that won’t make you think too hard go see this one.