Starring: Steve Carell, Rose Byrne, Chris Cooper, Topher Grace, Brent Sexton, Will Sasso, Tom Key
Director: Jon Stewart
Release date: 26th June 2020
Gary Zimmer (Steve Carell) is a Democratic Strategist in Washington DC, who has in the past helped some very high profile politicians with their campaigns. One day he sees a video online which shows a farmer named Jack Hastings (Chris Cooper) in a small community in Deerlaken, Wisconsin standing up to the towns mayor at a town meeting. He sees an opportunity and decides to travel to see Jack and convince him to run for Mayor in the upcoming elections. Gary arrives and finds himself way out of his comfort zone.. It’s not long before the whole town knows his name and total strangers are saying ‘hi Gary!’ in the street. He speaks with Jack and uses his ‘skills’ to convince him to run for the Mayor post. Jack is very old school and set in his ways but listens to Gary’s advice… Can Gary help Jack become Mayor of Deerlaken or is the town too set in its ways?
This is the latest offering from Jon Stewart, who if you’re a fan of US news/chat shows you’ll know was the host of ‘The Daily Show’ for sixteen years before he left in 2015. Mostly known for his political satire, Jon Stewart is well renowned for his political views and wacky sense of humour.
Steve Carell seems to be one of those actors that you either love or hate… He’s done a great variation in the roles he’s played over the past few years, and the one in ‘Irresistible’ suits him down to the ground. What you initially think is a totally straight role, soon becomes something more. He plays being out of his comfort zone really well and in my mind is one of the best comedic actors working in movies at the moment.
Don’t be fooled though, this isn’t totally the ‘Steve Carell show’. There’s a very good cast of actors in this movie, including the always brilliant Rose Byrne as Gary’s opponent in the political campaigning. Their chemistry is really great and there’s a lot of laughs to be had. The brilliant Chris Cooper (August: Osage County, Syriana, Bourne Identity) as farmer Jack Hastings, is an actor that I never tire of watching.
With Jon Stewart at the helm, you immediately know that you are in good hands. Available on demand, definitely give this one a watch. I think you’ll be pleasantly surprised!
Overall: 8.5/10
