The Congressman (2016) User Reviews

Crabs in me Lobster Pot

[VanBooter · 6/10 · 9 September 2016]

I won't go into where and when I watched this film, and in what town and theatre I parked my derrière but I did check this film out beforehand at IMDb.

The obvious shill reviews at the time was an incredible 5 out of 6 which is usually a red flag and a valid reason to exit the turkey pen. However against all basic instincts I grabbed a copy and watched it.

First of all the good signs, I never skipped through it, and I watched it all until the credits rolled. May not be a good indication to you but it is to me.

The storyline is well lets just say it's not taxing, I can safely say you don't need a special talent to come up with that one.

The acting was good Treat Williams especially, but to be honest George Hamilton was the only person I thought was out of place. What possessed the director when he signed him up heaven knows, the only reason I could think of maybe it was to attract the granny fan base.

On my scale it's a 6/10 not a penny more and not a penny less, a nice easy going film which questions ambition over personal relationships.

Channeling Jimmy Stewart

[lavatch · 7/10 · 10 January 2017]

"The Congressman" is a feel-good film with a little romance sprinkled in with politics.

Treat Williams seeks to channel Jimmy Stewart in the 1939 classic "Mr. Smith Goes to Washington." In this case, Williams plays Rep. Charlie Winship, a workaholic congressman who may be run out of office by his rivals.

Winship recharges his batteries in a visit to a tranquil island off the coast of Maine. He will fight for the rights of the beleaguered fishing community and fall in love on the island.

But the most intriguing relationship in the film is that of Winship and his young protégé Jared Barnes (Ryan Merriman). Barnes gains some of the wisdom of Winship in the course of the action. Like the Jimmy Stewart film, "The Congressman" includes a heartfelt patriotic speech delivered effectively by Williams.

While not a great film, "The Congressman" includes a good set of characters and beautiful scenery on the island and the seascape of Maine.

"I'm tired of all the BS"

[paul-allaer · 6/10 · 11 May 2016]

"The Congressman" (2016 release; 98 min.) brings the story of US Congressman Charlie Winship of Maine. As the movie opens, we see an incident involving crab poaching off the coast of Maine (only much later will we understand the scene's significance), and over the movie's opening titles, there is a clever photo montage of Winship over the years, from his youth to his serving in Vietnam, to being sworn in as Congressman. In the movie's 'real' first scene. Winship is caught on camera not standing up during the Pledge of Allegiance, and in fact paying no attention to it. This causes an immediate uproar in the media and also in his constituency back in Maine. Pretty soon, it becomes clear how disenchanted the Congressman really is with everything and everyone. Then a one-day trip to an island 18 miles off the coast of Maine is on his schedule. At this point we're not even 15 min. into the movie but to tell you more would spoil your viewing experience, you'll just have to see for yourself how it all plays out.

Couple of comments: this is written by Robert Mrazrk, and co-directed by Jared Martin and Robert Mrazek (their feature debut), but I'd venture to say this movie is a labor of love for Treat Williams who plays the lead role but also co-produced the movie. Williams has had a long and distinguished career, but let's face it, it's been quite some time since he's had a lead role of this magnitude. He easily takes on the role of the frustrated and tired congressman. "I'm tired of all the BS", bemoans Winship at some point. We get ya, buddy! It's on the island that the movie finds its footing, as Winship and his aide are cut off (literally and figuratively) from the main land. At that point the movie takes on a little bit of "Local Hero" (that gem from the mid-80s, although "Local Hero" is miles better as a movie): the isolation, yet the joy of being away from it all, while "slowing down to the rhythm of the sea", as the local librarian (and possible love interest) Rae (played by Elizabeth marvel) puts it. The movie definitely picks up a notch or two when Marvel appears about midway through. But even that cannot mask some of the movie's shortcomings, including the environmental "political correctness" and preachiness, I mean this is PC going beyond PC, and then some! Also bothersome for me is that the movie is utterly predictable as to how it's all going to play out. I made a mental bet with myself midway through as to how it'd all end up, and in fact that's how it pretty much ended up... Come on, surprise me already!

The movie opened without any pre-release fanfare or advertising at my local art-house theater this past weekend. The week day evening screening where I saw this at was attended okay but not great. I can't see this playing in theaters very long. "The Congressman" is well intended and I love watching Treat Williams and Elizabeth Marvel, but the movie simply doesn't have enough to make it strongly compelling viewing. Worth checking out if you are a Treat Williams or Elizabeth Marvel fan or are in the mood for an environmentally PC and light-hearted romantic-inclined movie.

I never stopped loving you, I just stopped loving you well.

[shiannedog · 7/10 · 4 January 2022]

This movie kept my interest from beginning to end and I wasn't even bored. It did have one major conceptual error though. Being made in 2015 we are decades past the time when anyone in the media would go after a Democrat to take them out. Not gonna happen. So with a little rearranging the story could be made plausible. Too bad the writers weren't more savvy and realistic. It could have been a bigger hit. You won't be disappointed with the acting. Very well done. 6.7/10.

Not Enough Plot Substance

[rutzelb · 5/10 · 12 January 2017]

Congressman Charlie Winship (Treat Williams) is tired of being a Congressman, drinks a lot, is undergoing a divorce and and won't stand during the Pledge of Allegiance in the House of Representatives to start the business day. There is a movement to recall him.

Charlie gets invited to a small fishing town on an island that is having problems with poachers taking their lobsters. This is where he has a realization of what is important in life and comes to understand what being a Congressman is all about and he is determined to help the town.

This is too simple a plot and we needed something more to sustain us. The acting is good all around; and the solutions to the poaching problems were telegraphed from the very beginning. So we just sat back and enjoyed the cinematography, which was very good. There could have been more drama regarding the Recall effort. There could have been more conflicts with the poachers, but all we got was a fishing boat being blown up.

Notables: Elizabeth Marvel as Rae, Charlie's romantic interest on the fishing island; George Hamilton as Laird Devereaux who is the prime force to recall Charlie.

We were concerned how Charlie would get himself out of being recalled for not standing during the Pledge of Allegiance in the House. This came to be the twist we hoped for. (5/10)

Violence: Yes. A bloody nose on a basketball court and a fishing boat exploding. Sex: No. Sex: No. Language: Yes and much of it seemed forced.

What can happen in life if we value our own integrity, say what we mean, mean what we say.

[tgl-79105 · 9/10 · 17 May 2016]

35 years ago Robert Mrazek was quoted as saying that a successful screen play should contain a lot of sex and violence or else be "damned good." The latter is the case with "The Congressman," his long-awaited cinematic debut. The violence in "The Congressman" is subtle, the sexuality implied. Mrazek doesn't preach at us as Sorkin might have. He transforms character flaws into cautionary tales, he tells us what can happen in life if we value our own integrity, say what we mean, mean what we say. Take out a few f-bombs and "The Congressman" might serve as a means to teach our children and grandchildren what government service should be all about.

A modernized, fun-loving, Mr. Smith-Goes-to-Washington-like movie

[yogimama · 10/10 · 16 May 2016]

The casting and acting were stellar, the dialogue was entertaining and thought-provoking, humor was sprinkled throughout, the pace was quick, character development was excellent, the scenery of Monhegan Island, Maine was gorgeous, capturing many aspects of the island's beauty (forest, coast, village,...),... The highlights for me were the points made about the pledge of allegiance, the importance of nurturing a marriage, and how good this congressman was at listening to his constituents. This movie captured much in a short amount of time.

The timing of "The Congressman" is perfect for this tumultuous time in American history. Written by a retired congressman, who made significant contributions including protecting the Alaskan forest, it captures the essence of what we think a good-hearted congressman would do if he/she was not influenced by forces not in the interest of democracy, the environment, or the people. I haven't seen Mr. Smith Goes to Washington in forty years, but I think that movie had a similar spirit, if I remember correctly.

I am now a big fan of Treat Williams.

[buntid · 10/10 · 19 May 2016]

I am now a big fan of Treat Williams! The Congressman is worth watching just for his outstanding performance, especially the powerful speech he delivers towards the end of the movie. I cried along with several others in the audience.

There are plenty of laughs especially every George Hamilton scene. Great cinematography of a spectacularly beautiful island and very good original score.

I want to see more message movies like this one. In an age and culture of snark and superficiality, this movie comes through with a seemingly old fashioned message not only of values but of those American values and standards that are worth fighting for.

As others have said, this is a modern Mr. Smith Goes to Washington.

I LOVED this film!!!

[rebeccastaab · 9/10 · 4 June 2016]

I LOVED this film! LOVED IT!!!!! Treat Williams is one to watch in this -- He is FANTASTIC -- every move, every look, every word, every silence -- superb! His embodiment of this character is beyond experienced -- rich and honorable, experienced, yet fresh.

Don't be fooled by the title -- if you're tired of 'politics,' this is actually refreshing and inspiring. A wonderful film with quality and value.

I loved the entire cast -- I felt like they literally went to Maine and just hired the actual people on that island!! Authentic to the core.

Chris Conroy as "Ben" reminded me of early James Dean -- I could not take my eyes off of him -- I was intrigued, riveted, and mesmerized every minute he was on screen. Such unique and subtle strength, tender and magnetic. He was fantastic. I fell in love with him.

Ryan Merriman's scene in the bathtub is stellar!! I wasn't crazy about him at the top of the film, but as his character expanded, so did my appreciation and attraction to his performance. I enjoyed the ride he took me on. Perfect. His 'reveal' was brilliantly executed.

The scene with Treat and Elizabeth as husband and wife, was so so very beautiful -- tender and true. They had us really sitting IN the room with this longtime couple that had LIVED and LOVED -- no acting, just the epitome of authentic.

I just loved EVERYTHING about this film -- I did not want the characters to leave Maine, because I did not want to leave Maine!! This production captured the essence of Maine perfectly -- breathtakingly beautiful, grounded, timeless, hearty, unpretentious.

Treat's speech at the end is glorious. I can't type fast enough or find enough adjectives to capture how this film made me FEEL -- I can write my thoughts, yes, but I need rare words to describe the feelings. Such a beautiful and powerful film in such a tender and honest way. I loved it. To be appreciated by every generation.

Thought provoking story set along coast of Maine

[mo_kelley · 10/10 · 20 September 2016]

Sometimes life moves at a pace that requires a 'reset' and the beauty of the coast of Maine stirs one's thoughts back to what is important. Treat Williams provides a great portrayal of a career politician, Congressman, who reconnects with the beauty of Maine and the people he represents. Interesting to gain perspective on the life and manipulations in politics. This movie grabs your attention immediately with a kickoff of time represented in pictures. The politics involved make you question how you would handle the situation that arises. The supporting actors are perfectly cast, grasping the lifestyle of a small lobster trapping town facing it's own Goliath. This is amust see film that you will enjoy watching time and time again.

A Compact, Thoughtful Movie

[Bob-562 · 8/10 · 4 February 2017]

What drew me to this movie is purely personal: every year my family goes to midcoast Maine for a week, during which we take a day trip to Monhegan Island, so I thought this flick was a great find. On showcasing Monhegan, it didn't disappoint: the cliff walks, the wrecked ship on the surf, the snug homes & trails inland--it's all there. But happily the film didn't disappoint on the plot level; in fact it seems to be quite relevant for the Trumpian times we now live in. Treat Williams does a nice job as the beleaguered & fatigued congressman. The attacks on his supposedly unpatriotic actions may have come across as hyberbolic in an earlier age, but sadly not so now. So: it works as a postcard for Monhegan as well as a thought-provoking political message.

Lack of pretense, quiet intimacy, and excellence of presentation.

[caprivi-34408 · 9/10 · 29 May 2016]

A simple story of man named Charlie Winship experiencing a change of life on a Maine coastal island. That he's a U.S. Representative who has upset the entire nation by publicly questioning his oath of allegiance on the floor of Congress during an election year adds to the dynamics – but first and foremost this is a sensitively written, directed and edited film with beautifully acted scenes set on a wildly picturesque Maine coastal island. There is a flavor of Flaherty's Men of Aran about this island that allows Joe Arcidiacano's expressive cinematography to frame the story as a true to life documentary. Production values are solid for an independent, the ambiance of a small island village well captured and interesting characters abound, some played by island natives. The professional actors fit like a glove, nuanced and accent perfect, they move with the same stolid self-awareness of island people – who may be cut off from the rest of America but are definitely united with something older and deeper that comes from the sea. Ryan Merriman is a quiet riot, Elizabeth Marvel is dead center in her characterization of an intelligent island woman approaching lusty spinsterhood, Chris Conroy covers the difficult distance between a young lobsterman and aspiring artist with great sensitivity, Marshall Bell is a crusted village patriarch with too many problems to solve and Kim Blacklock is everything a boat captain should be, and more. In her film debut Miriam Hyman sparkles as Charlie's congressional aide, while Josh Mostel is exactly the kind of political functionary you don't want to find hiding in your bushes at night. The filmmakers made a wise decision to keep George Hamilton bottled up on the mainland or he would have hijacked the entire film. Treat Williams deserves a deep bow for his performance as Charlie Winship. In a long career as a leading man he's clearly guilty of having saved the best for last. Still vital and expressive, Williams' world-weary humor and unerring character touches irresistibly score points and enlist sympathy as he presents the full picture of an attractive man in quiet turmoil. In the most bizarre of all political years it may be odd to find a perfect Presidential candidate residing in a movie; but there you have it. I'm writing my vote in for Charlie Winship.

If you want to know why this film rings true look no further than the script by ex-Representative Robert Mrazek that pulls more than little from his experiences as a five term Congressman from Long Island in 1980's and early '90's. Practical as only an ex-politician on a limited budget can be he builds his story from the ground up with an accumulation of telling set pieces – a half deserted lounge of a small airport on the hustings waiting for an overdue plane, a final visit to a dead marriage in a beautifully played scene between Williams and Jayne Atkinson (from House of Cards), a series of hilarious episodes in a mobile congressional office that has seen better days and saner people where Charlie meets constituents flourishing sex toys and exploded mailboxes and a unforgettably plaintive man with an Emmitt Kelly face lamenting his lost son to a useless war. Watching Williams' variations on a thousand mile stare throughout these conversations is a lesson in creative understatement. The fuse that ignites when he steps outside his Toonerville Trolley and gets tricked into demonstrating the Nazi salute to illustrate a point he's making about the pledge of allegiance – starts a smoldering trail through the Island's carpeted forests and tiny fairy houses, lobster thronged seas, mist drenched highlands and the most picturesque candlelit village bristling with diverse personalities until the dawn arrives with a thunderous surprise that forces him to return to the mainland and fight for his legacy with some powerful words from the Mrazek playbook. In the films climactic moment; a town meeting homage to Capra, Charlie gives the best political speech I've heard in this year of skinny sound bites and empty rhetoric. While his constituents digest the moment he quietly packs up his life and walks into the special sunset reserved for a man who has discovered, almost too late in life, what it was he ever really wanted to do... I hugely enjoyed the film for its difference and honesty. Some may call it predictable but I prefer unpretentious - predictable being a word I reserve for Hollywood. I look forward to seeing it again.