Political Animals (2012)
Political Animals is a six-part miniseries. Elaine Barrish's husband Bud was a popular President of the United States during the 1990s despite his extramarital affairs. After leaving the White House, Elaine Barrish was elected Governor of Illinois and ran for the Democratic nomination for President, but lost to Paul Garcetti. The night Barrish conceded the nomination, she asked her husband for a divorce. Two years later, as Garcetti's Secretary of State, Barrish deals with State Department issues while trying to keep her family together.
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Reviews
Very very predictable, including the post credit scene !!!
The plot isn't so bad, but the pace of storytelling is too slow which makes people bored. Certain moments are so obvious and unnecessary for the main plot. I would've fast-forwarded those moments if it was an online streaming. The ending looks like implying a sequel, not sure if this movie will get one
While it doesn't offer any answers, it both thrills and makes you think.
The movie's neither hopeful in contrived ways, nor hopeless in different contrived ways. Somehow it manages to be wonderful
In essence, I approached the show for one reason - Sigourney Weaver, but, there is so much more. For one, Ciaran Hinds has never disappointed and after a potentially flaky start which left me spinning I grew to adore the rambunctious 'Bud Hammond'. The scenes between Weaver and Hinds where joyful with some wonderful dialogue and fizzing one liners.This is not a show which aims for gravitas or to seek out reality, this is hyper-real entertainment that strives to 'do the right thing', entertainment with a principled backbone, (provided you have a liberal sensibility). Issues are touched upon, played with, but not dissected, but you are no less satisfied. It's some kind of hybrid blend of 'Dirty Sexy Money' with elements of 'The West Wing'.Sigourney Weaver anchors the show with a warmth and integrity that allows for the improbable plot devices to work, or, at the very least, be forgiven. The cast around her revelling in the task of matching her formidable screen presence.There are flaws, sub plots that don't quite find there rhythm, improbable scenarios, yet I forgive these for the sheer enthusiasm on display. I usually prefer conspiracy driven TV, all earnest and hand wringing in its complexity, this, on the other hand, is a refreshing spritzer for the long hot summer. Sit back, relax, enjoy.TJ seeks another 'fix', I for one seek another fix of Sigourney Weaver and co.
This is one of those shows that is great for the whole ensemble. It would suck without the people that are in it. Everyone does a great job for the role they have. It has apparently gotten so-so reviews, and I am not sure why. Yes, it's over-the-top, but what isn't? And that doesn't mean it is bad. It is crazy in a great way. Every character has his/her hangups. As with all TV shows, it shows everything that has happened/can go wrong, and makes it seem real. This show feels real. Maybe I am biased - I would vote for Elaine. I am sure that the creators knew that, because Secretary Clinton (inspiration for the show) is a lot like Elaine. I think that, because it is a mini-series, people are so harsh on it. It would do great as a full- series because it would give time to focus on what needs to be focused on. But hey, I love it and I think everyone will.
Completely taken by surprise with this show. I honestly loved it.Well written, good strong characters and lots of things going on, so no chance of it becoming a bore.The series is definitely helped by the fact they have Sigourney Weaver playing the lead character. A perfect choice if I say so myself. I reckon if they had anybody else it may not have actually worked, so excellent casting.I love the gritty aspect to the series if I am honest. The behind the doors language gives a far more sense of reality to the real world.Loving the plots which shall remain a mystery to those who are thinking on whether to watch the show or not, but I would say, definitely watch it.I hope the series does not get cancelled, I am left stunned by the US cable channels pulling the plug on many series and yet, the trash remains. Very puzzling.Great casting, great show. If you liked West Wing you should like this.
My mother and I were sitting down to watch TV the other night and were intrigued by the ads for the show Political Animals so we decided to check it out. We were enjoying the storyline and character dynamics in the show when we were suddenly shocked by the graphic content in the show. Our first shock was the naked sex scene between the former president and his new wife. We were completely appalled but, wanting to give the show the benefit of the doubt that it may be a one-time occurrence, we continued to watch... only to be mortified by the continued explicit content, not in language, but the visually graphic portrayals of bulimia, drug content, and repeated graphic sex. Shocked at what we saw, we quickly pulled up the show's info to check the rating and were even more surprised to see that the show was rated "PG" on USA!I assume that the raciness of the show is intended to grab the young adult audience, but as a 24 year old, I can tell you that that is exactly what turned me off! There are a lot of ways to insinuate such relationships and actions without showing them in their entirety.Aside from my disappointment with the content of the show itself, I am extremely disappointed in USA for airing it and without an appropriate rating at that! While it's appropriate to portray the reality of sex, drug addictions, and eating disorders- neither kids nor adults need to be given a visual "how to" lesson by a TV show!I count on USA for its' family friendly, but highly enjoyable, shows and have been a fan of several shows on the network for years (Psych, Monk, Burn Notice, Royal Pains).This show is NOT appropriate for children of any age!