W.

MPAA Rating: PG-13 for language including sexual references, some alcohol abuse, smoking and brief disturbing war images.
Run time: 129 min

Oliver visit his most favorite subject: politics and controversy, but making a film about a President whose approval rating can only be match by Nixon is very risky. No need to say about the story but what really bugs me is, does Oliver have a least try to interview the real Bush for this film? or he just take liberty to inject his own opinion? And how many expert did he consult to make this film, well, believable since several scenes are not believable at all, it is borderline dark comedy with absurdity tone. In two hours we are served with the life of George W. Bush from his youth up to the invasion of Iraq and the viewers got a peek on how the administration "work" although not as deep as West Wing and it looks like only analyzing the surface.

Dick Cheney looks like Rasputin, whispering doomsday scenarios to W. and in a scene featuring a huge background of middle east map, he looks like one of James Bond villain (or Darth Vader) trying to conquer the world. Thandie Newton deliver Condoleeza Rice as a "yes Mr. President" female secretary of state and Colin Powell is the only voice of reason who quietly against the policy of Mr. Bush. While Bush Sr is portrayed more sympathetically.

What about Josh Brolin as W.? He looks good and believable although it is laughable that he play young Bush and his physical feature could be more enhanced by prosthetic make up instead of graying his hair.

Oliver Stone deliver Bush as a boy trapped in daddy issues, booze addiction, insecurities and sibling rivalry in a non-linear story telling. Although he is born with a silver spoon but Bush continue to fight the devil inside him. As he rose to Presidency he sees things as black and white and unfortunately he is surrounded by people who have their own agenda.

What comes as disappointment is that there is no mentioning on the controversial election in 2000, hurricane Katrina, Patriot Act, Abu Ghraib incident or how Bush react after the 9/11, Oliver only focus at Iraq. Oliver should have extended the film 60 more minutes so the film could get deeper, just like Nixon, instead of doing that he just show the viewer the "surface" of the administration.

After the film end, you might wonder, how come this guy ever elected as President twice? Well borrowing a line from Slumdog Millionaire; "Perhaps it is written".