Tom Selleck is just perfect as the governor who is chosen as Democratic nominee for president. Laura Linney is equally perfect, as his smart, energetic, workaholic campaign manager. The movie runs along nicely and sets us up for a good dramatic conclusion, but to me fumbled on the three-yard-line, and finished up as just an average movie, somewhat of a let-down after the fine build-up.
some SPOILERS follow, don't read further unless you've seen the movie.
The presidential nomination is boosted along by hard-edge politicians who offer Selleck a large sum of money with the understanding that he will be in their pocket. On the verge of choosing their man as VP running mate, he fires Linney. But at the last minute, he rejects all that and chooses the man that he should have in the first place. The disappointed politicians vow to block his favored legislation. To me, the ending just fell flat, and spoiled a fine build-up over the first 75 minutes or so. He did the right thing, but it just didn't have any passion connected with it. The median IMDb rating of 6 is about right.
some SPOILERS follow, don't read further unless you've seen the movie.
The presidential nomination is boosted along by hard-edge politicians who offer Selleck a large sum of money with the understanding that he will be in their pocket. On the verge of choosing their man as VP running mate, he fires Linney. But at the last minute, he rejects all that and chooses the man that he should have in the first place. The disappointed politicians vow to block his favored legislation. To me, the ending just fell flat, and spoiled a fine build-up over the first 75 minutes or so. He did the right thing, but it just didn't have any passion connected with it. The median IMDb rating of 6 is about right.