Rod Lurie and Denis Maloney have put together an exciting cast for the well-done comedy/drama, “the Contender.”

The basic idea to this movie is that the Vice President of the United States dies suddenly and Ohio Senator Laine Hanson (Joan Allen) is chosen by the President, Jackson Evans (Jeff Bridges), to be the replacement. Hanson must prove to both parties that she is a strong enough politician to handle the vice presidential position.

The opposition within the parties is fierce. Led by Congressman Shelly Runyon (Gary Oldman), who was defeated by Bridges for the presidential seat, other members of congress dig up secret information about Hanson?s past personal life that sparks a huge political controversy.

This movie takes us behind the scenes of the political power plays that go on in the White House. Christian Slater (Very Bad Things) and Mike Binder also have starring roles. Jeff Bridges plays an outstanding role in this movie. He plays the part with the charisma that you would expect to see in a President.

Joan Allen plays a role that should be respected within the acting world. She believes that she can be the next Vice President even with the members of congress trying to bring her down. You will often feel for her for what these men are putting her through.

Gary Oldman plays the part of the “bad guy” very well. He makes you hate what he stands for and at times hate him as the character he is playing. Christian Slater is the freshman of the congress in this film. He is swayed by power to make some decisions that he may later regret. He gains strength throughout the film and the goodness shows in the end.

This film combines humor with drama in a way that will keep you wondering and laughing at the same time. Some of the speeches in this movie draw the viewer in as if they were actually there listening to the president or members of congress speak. You are left guessing throughout the film, but in the end the directors and cast leave no stone unturned.

I loved how the directors brought comedy to the White House. It gives you a feeling that this is real life. Politicians are not all bland like some people may think and this film portrays that side of them very well. This will be one political film to remember.

Cheers to the directors and cast of “The Contender” for making this movie a hit in my book.

I would highly recommend going to see this film when the elections are on everyone?s minds. It adds a little spice to what we think goes on in the Oval Office.

Rating: 4/5 tubs of popcorn (expensive as they may be).

Questions or Comments? E-mail Noah at: [email protected]