[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Join Laura Seaman as she reviews “Our Brand is Crisis” and previews “Spectre” and “The Peanuts Movie” on this week’s episode of Filmcast.
Continue reading for Laura’s full review of “Our Brand is Crisis.”[/vc_column_text][vc_video link=”https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GC9FNtID-JA”][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]“Our Brand is Crisis” is more than just entertaining — it’s thought provoking. It encourages viewers to think about what goes on in politics, which is a relevant topic given the attention currently directed toward presidential primaries.
The film tells the true story of Jane Bodine, an American woman with a chaotic reputation, who was hired to manage the campaign of a Bolivian senator campaigning for president of Bolivia. She must take this unlikable candidate from the bottom of the polls to the top. Meanwhile her rival, Pat Candy, is backing the campaign of the front runner.
Bodine, also known as “Calamity Jane,” is a witty character, bringing comedic relief to a film that might otherwise be too serious and cynical for audiences to enjoy. Of course, the message and purpose of “Our Brand is Crisis” doesn’t seem to be enjoyment. Instead, it’s a peek behind the curtain of political campaigns — and you might not like what you see.
As Bodine takes her candidate around the country to find out what voters want, it becomes a journey where the audience roots for the “hero,” her candidate Castillo, to win the race. The story is filled with comedic moments, like llamas getting hit by cars, and sad moments, such as seeing the poverty of a country in chaos. It isn’t until the end that the audience realizes the hero might not lead them to the happy ending they expected.
I would recommend this movie, but not as just a source of entertainment. Although the trailer might market it as a comedy, this film will have you leave the theater thinking, not laughing.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]