W [Blu-ray]

never too challenging but does show what was obvious to most. Americans would vote for anyone on the other side. they are often anti intellectual. Wars are seen as political tools. What is fasinating is that he is now being lauded by comparison as some kind of moderate and good leader. Again when the Trump film comes out Im not sure it wil tell us much more as real life is ridiculous enough.

Oliver Stone brings his undeniable talent to this biopic of George `Dubya' Bush.. supported by one of those to-die-for casts he seems to have at his beck and call. There's no question this is slickly put together, and that Josh Brolin is completely convincing as the title character .... but as a movie experience there is just something missing.Stone presents Bush as a follower rather than a leader. Someone who is driven by being under the shadow of his brother in his parents eyes, and whose political drive to succeed is a mirror of his drive to succeed in his father's eyes. Surrounding him, we have a veritable who's who of Hollywood acting as all the well known string pullers behind him and around him - most of whom are thinly drawn, not being the centre of attention - but of all of them, Richard Dreyfuss does a surprisingly good job of fleshing out Dick Cheney. There's a little jolt of energy whenever he has a moment on screen, particularly sparring with Colin Powell. But these are asides, with W's evolving character being the focus, and so as the movie goes on, we see Bush at different times of his life. From College pranks through trying to find a job he wants to keep, meeting Laura, becoming born again (watch out for a great Stacey Keach turn) and starting his political career.. all told non linearly, interspersed with the period of time that will dominate his place in history - going to war with Iraq.With all those fine ingredients however, it seems that something has been left out - some excitement, some dramatic hook to draw you in. Frankly, Bush's life, rather like his presidency some would argue, is rather dull. In the end, the enjoyment of the movie is in the details.. enjoying watching for Hollywood well known faces playing political well known faces, learning a little about Dubya's earlier life. But we don't come away much richer for the experience. Stone's interpretation of the man is valid, but never feels insightful enough or definitive, neither does it have the cinematic or dramatic energy of, say, `Nixon'. It's not a disaster, but neither does it sparkle. Sometimes interesting, never fascinating. Perhaps it is too soon, and looking back in twenty years or more this will be regarded in higher esteem.

Immensely interesting subject matter, but Oliver Stone rams his political narrative down your throat. Not nearly as good as Vice, Josh Brolin is a great actor but he seems to be doing an impression rather than portraying a character. 'W' seems a little 2D and his father is a much more interesting character.

Broslin gives a good portrayal of Bush. The film is divided between his substance abuse and some telling insights into the reason for the war in Iraq. I’d have preferred more about the consequences of the consequences of the Iraq war. I felt the film was too light in substance.

I adored Stone's JFK film and watch it often. Nixon (the film!) was great. This movie is hugely entertaining and is to be recommended especially to sceptics.As Stone reveals in the excellent Extras, Bush is seen almost as a victim, both of his own innate stupidity but also of his clever and bullying, domineering father.What comes through is Dubya's total adoration of/by his wife; his faith in god which (he thinks) renders him invincible and infallible, and his belief that he genuinely wanted to do good during his presidency.Stone interweaves Bush' wild youth with the run-up to the Iraq war. The 'Michael Moore' treatment is, for example, the Robin Hood music (hilarious) while Bush debates military strategy; the caricature treatment of Condoleeza Rice and some of the camera work.I was very impressed with this film, having almost been put off by critics. If you have an opinion of Blair and Bush and the Iraq invasion, this is a good piece of critique. Bet you end up feeling sorry for Bush!!!

Surprisingly for Oliver Stone,, this film of his doesn't really work. I you want to know the truth of George W. Bush's presidency, look at the documentaries.

Good movie and James Brolin is excellent as W. However, jumps around a bit (past and present) , which seemed unnecessary to me. Almost felt sorry for W....only almost

A great behing-the-scenes look at the factors that made this man to be rated "the third worst President in American history", according to various historians.We come away from this film feeling that this man, while clearly unable to deal with the demands of such a strenuous job, was set up by his family and others to have a poor self-confidence, leading to a failed life both before his presidency and in the job itself.Although we chuckle at his lack of knowlege and "Bushisms" at time, there is a certain sadness (and scariness) at seeing a grown man in the most powerful job in the world being manipulated by others or totally clueless as to how to solve a problem when utilizing his particularly brand of logic.Josh Brolin is so good as Bush he seems to be the real thing. His performance adds greatly to the impact of the film.