MOVIE REVIEW - W

Oliver Stone's new movie lands in theaters this weekend, W. W is a bio-pic of sorts, a fictional piece with true events pasted in the picture as well. It is the story told in flashback form of President George W. Bush, his early life and career and the directors account of the events leading up to the Iraq war, culminating with the firing of Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld.

W also deals with the relationship "W" has with his family, parents and his relationship with the lordl, and alchohol. Whatever your politics, when you go to see W, and many will, you must keep in mind it's Oliver Stones version of what he sees as the truth. Stone played the same card and was vastly ridiculed for his conspiracy theory pic, JFK in 1991. JFK all agreed was interesting and facinating movie making, but over all hardly factual. But if you know that going in you understand that Stone tells it they way he sees it, and not entirely based in fact.

First, Josh Brolin as "W" is dead on with his Bush voice, mannerisms, and over all feel of the character. He is the movies shining star, and is uncannily good. Richard Dreyfuss as Dick Cheney, again dead on, and Scott Glenn as Rumsfeld, terrific. Trouble here is the rest of the impersonators are average at best, and some even border lining on the bad. Too many parts, too many not as strong as the top three.

Also, W seems to have a difficult time deciding what kind of movie it is. Should is scare you? Make you think? Or is it a comedy? There was a bunch of laughter in the theater today. Footnote too, some may find the portrayal of Condoleeza Rice somewhat offensive. You have to watch closely, and the attempt to lampoon her falls very short. It's W's weakest point.

W! Brolin is great here. I always like seeing actors take on a huge role and pull it off. As for the rest of W, you will have to judge for yourself do you buy it, or not. It's bound to trigger many a discussion at movies end, as most Stone movies do.