Stars: James Carville, Jeff Goldblum, Amy Poehler, Christopher Walken, Laura Linney, David Alpay, Robin Williams, Lewis Black, Rick Roberts

Director: Barry Levinson

Summary: Tom Dobbs, the host of a comedy talk show, gets fed up with the political system and decides to run for president. So off he goes on a national bus tour, bringing his message of change to an eager public. Meanwhile, Eleanor Green, who works for Delacroy, the company that has developed the voting machines being used by the government, discovers a serious glitch in the program that alters the results of the election.

Robin Williams and writer-director Barry Levinson, who worked together on 1987's GOOD MORNING VIETNAM and 1992's TOYS, reunite for the political thriller/romantic comedy MAN OF THE YEAR. Williams stars as Tom Dobbs, the host of a comedy talk show who, fed up with the political system, suddenly decides to run for president. So off he goes on a national bus tour, joined by his manager, Jack Menken (Christopher Walken), and his head writer, Eddie Langston (Lewis Black), bringing his message of change to an eager public. Meanwhile, Eleanor Green (Laura Linney), who works for Delacroy, the company that has developed the voting machines being used by the government, discovers a serious glitch in the program that alters the results of the election. She tries to tell the company's CEO (Rick Roberts) and chief counsel/spokesman (Jeff Goldblum), but they want everything hushed up so their stock prices aren't affected and their upcoming international deal goes through. Unable to hold back the truth, Green looks to Dobbs for help while being hunted down by Delacroy. Levinson, the director of such successful films as DINER, AVALON, and WAG THE DOG--the latter also set in the political arena--has crafted a fast-paced, seriocomic look at 21st-century America, especially since the possible voting problems encountered in the presidential elections of 2000 and 2004. Part Jon Stewart, part Bill Maher, part Ross Perot, Dobbs is a funnyman who decides to do something about the sorry state of the country.

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A comedy with serious intentions, Man of the Year attempts to challenge the audience's notions of what is and isn't real when it comes to politics. Tom Dobbs (Robin Williams) is a popular political talk show host. As a lark, he runs for president and wins. The thing is, he's not any more unqualified than the other candidates, so his victory doesn't seem quite so outrageous. But when it turns out that the computer ballot firm responsible for tallying all the votes may have had a glitch--and that a recount would negate his win--mayhem ensues and the film segues from comedy, to drama, and back to comedy (sort of) again. Directed by Barry Levinson (Diner, Wag the Dog), the film doesn't take advantage of Williams' natural humor or charm. He at times appears to be chomping at the bit to unleash a comedic tirade or two, only to be held back by stiff lines. Williams only truly appears to be enjoying himself when trading lines with Laura Linney, who portrays the hapless do-gooder at the ballot firm who's being set up to appear unreliable. With some fine performances by a supporting cast that includes Jeff Goldblum, Lewis Black, and the inimitable Christopher Walken, Man of the Year occasionally hints at greatness. But at best, it's a lukewarm comedy with a diluted message. --Jae-Ha Kim

Aspect Ratio:	2.35 Anamorphic Wide Screen
Main Language:	English
Region:	Region 2
Year:	2006
Release Date:	April 28, 2008
Runtime:	110 minutes
Certification:
Catalogue Number:	8248389
Keywords:	Year, Man, English, Comedy, Satire
Genre:	Comedy