Irresistible Review- Is It Good? Is It Worth Watching?

Throughout the world, Jim Stewart was a sharp critic of US politics during his tenure as the host of The Daily Show. Taking sides on some issues, his major stand was that a corrupt two-party system used their money and power to divide Americans and ruin the country.

Acting as writer and director for the 2020 political satire Irresistible, Stewart can’t bring the same sophistication and wit that we have come to associate with him. Helmed by The Office star Steve Carrell, Irresistible manages to get some points across highlighting how parties don’t care about the man on the ground.

1. Quick Review

Irresitible feels shallow and predictable, filled with corny and stereotyped humor. It appears that Stewart wants to be predictable to mirror the actions and opinions of the American public.

The clashing duo of Steve Carell and Rose Bryne playing campaign managers for the two sides gives compelling performances. The supporting cast also lands some jokes and is the subject of others as DC analysts find themselves exposed to the small redneck population of Deerlaken.

2. Is It Worth Watching?

Irresistible may not be the best political satire, and it lacks the sheen and sophistication we have come to expect. This might be just the thing to get your mind off the news and make you smile once again. Although the movie hesitates to take sides, it’s a sassy depiction of the underbelly of politics.

IRRESISTIBLE - Official Trailer [HD] - In Theaters and On Demand June 26

I. Plot

The movie starts with a Democratic campaign manager, Gary Zimmerman, who is looking on in disbelief as Hillary Clinton loses the 2016 Presidential election.

In the other camp, Faith Brewster cannot believe that Donald Trump is the new President. As they both put on a mask hiding their inner feelings and get ready to face the media, we get a glimpse inside the ruthless campaigning mechanism.

A few months later, far away from the capital in the small town of Deerlaken, a retired Marine Colonel drives up to the Town Hall. A city steeped in Conservative values, Deerlaken is on the verge of economic ruin after a nearby Army Base shuts down.

In the face of collapsing local businesses and unemployment, the mayor and the people are voting on an absurd law. It would make it necessary for immigrants to produce proper identification if they want to avail of any government of healthcare service. The Colonel makes a passionate speech opposing the law and stands up for the rights of the immigrants.

Someone takes a video of the speech, and it goes viral on the Internet. When one of Zimmerman’s aides sends it to him, he realizes that the Colonel could be an essential asset for the Democratic Party. If he wins the upcoming election and becomes the mayor, it would be a crucial strategic and symbolic victory for the Party.

Gary looks to secure a foothold in a Red state and, in doing so, bounce back from the loss of the Presidential elections. The Republican Party realizing this sends his rival Faith to make sure that the incumbent mayor gets re-elected.

Soon a small-town vote becomes a fight for the very soul of the American electoral system as both parties throw bags of money and resources to secure the win.

II. Detailed Review

The movie looks at how Political Parties are influenced by money and become removed from the candidates representing them and the people they are expected to serve. Through Gary (Steve Carell) and Faith (Rose Bryne), the movie shows us how the masters in Washington throw an insane amount of money and resources to secure this win.

The supporting cast features Topher Grace as an analyst and Mackenzie Davis as a computer expert. While Grace conducts numerous surveys and uses apps to gauge approval ratings, Davis is brought in to dig up dirt on the opponents. Carell and Bryne make fantastic dueling opponents that believe that any lie can become the truth if you repeatedly and with conviction.

Faith, who flies into town, is determined to ensure that Mayor Braun retains his seat even though he is not a competent candidate. The election process turns into a puppet show as Stewart doesn’t target a particular political party, but the toxic mix of money, power, and politics.

Stewart and cinematographer Bobby Bukowski re-creates the small-town to resemble present-day America. The boarded-up stores and unemployment lines depict the harsh reality of the economic situation in the country.

3. Final Thoughts

Stewart keeps the action flowing smoothly with a range of stock characters. Carell turns in a splendid performance with his comic timing and most of the jokes land.

The events of the movie are based somewhat on the election for Georgia’s Sixth Congressional District, where both parties spent more than $55 million.

Stewart has always believed that the over-reliance of political parties on money has driven them away from their core values. He showcases an institutionally corrupt system and tells the people to be wary of those in Washington.

4. Grade

5. Info