5 Presidential Movies to Watch Instead of the Inauguration

5 Presidential Movies to Watch Instead of the Inauguration
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Not everyone is eager to tune into today’s Inauguration coverage. November’s election results and Donald Trump’s impending second term have filled many with a sense of political hopelessness, and others with a reinvigorated motivation to resist the anticipated injustices of our incoming administration. We’ve been here before and survived, but that doesn’t mean you have to like it. Whether you are seeking pure entertainment, or a little bit of hope and inspiration, film may offer a comforting alternative to today’s political spectacle. From biting satire to captivating drama, here are five movies that offer an alternative to the Inauguration festivities.

1. Dave (1993)

Director: Ivan Reitman

After the President suffers a stroke, White House staff members enlist Dave (Kevin Kline), a humble temp agency manager and presidential doppelgänger, to serve as his stand-in. Dave quickly wins over the American people with his charisma and moral integrity. He becomes increasingly involved in politics, introducing a welfare plan that becomes central to the film’s plot and embodies an idealistic vision of American governance. Dave’s commitment to the American people contrasts with the morally compromised political landscape that surrounds him. The film is a breath of fresh air and a beacon of hope reminding us that good people in power can pave the way towards a brighter future.


2. All the President’s Men (1976)

Director: Alan J. Pakula

Alan J. Pakula’s 1976 political thriller follows reporters Bob Woodward (Robert Redford) and Carl Bernstein (Dustin Hoffman), as they uncover the Watergate scandal. The film garnered 8 Academy Award Nominations and won Best Adapted Screenplay at the 1977 Oscars. It remains one of Hollywood’s best portrayals of investigative journalism and political corruption. The film delivers a slow, methodical escalation of tension that crescendos with the exposure of a conspiracy that reshaped American politics. All the President’s Men is a testament to the power and perseverance of integrity, and reminds us that it is possible to hold even the most powerful people in the world accountable for their actions if we have strength in our convictions.


3. Man of the Year (2006)

Director: Barry Levinson

Robin Williams stars in this oddly prophetic political comedy about a loose cannon television personality who enters the presidential race. As Tom Dobbs’ (Williams) presidential campaign gains surprising traction, a widespread voting booth malfunction secures his victory. When a young employee from the voting machine company uncovers the monumental error, Dobbs is faced with a choice – relinquish power as the leader of the free world or return to his relative obscurity as a late-night talk show host. Man of the Year explores the frequently blurred lines between political reality and media spectacle and our fascinating tendency to value entertainment over qualification.


4. The Campaign (2012)

Director: Jay Roach

Cam Brady (Will Ferrell) and Marty Huggins (Zack Galifianakis) are political rivals in The Campaign, a movie that improves the more it lets the two actors veer toward the outlandish.

If you want to embrace stupidity this inauguration season, check out The Campaign. Incumbent Congressman Cam Brady (Will Ferrell) seeks re-election in his home state of North Carolina and faces an unexpected challenge from super PAC political puppet Marty Huggins (Zach Galifianakis). The two candidates engage in increasingly ridiculous antics to sabotage each others’ campaigns. Teeming with slapstick and crude humor, The Campaign often feels uncomfortably familiar to watching how American politics now plays out in an era when any attempt at civility has long since passed. Will Ferrell even punches a baby. So fun. 


5. Lincoln (2012)

Director: Steven Spielberg

Daniel Day-Lewis delivers an Academy Award-winning performance as President Abraham Lincoln in Steven Spielberg’s iconic 2012 political drama. The film highlights the final months of Lincoln’s presidency, amidst the turmoil of a raging civil war and a hyper-polarized nation. Lincoln navigates a complex American political landscape, securing the passage of the 13th Amendment through a deeply divided congress. The film was nominated for 12 Academy Awards and remains a powerful examination of personal conviction, leadership, and political strategy. Lincoln is a testament to how far our nation has come and reminds us that, with earnest belief, progress is possible, even in the most divisive times. Keep that in mind this Inauguration Day.

 
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