I’m trapped in a bureaucratic nightmare where negative comments about politics can cost people their jobs and reputations. As much as I dislike the direction our country has always been heading into, I can’t risk my reputation. But I can tell you one thing: the mid-credit scene in Adam McKay’s “Vice” did satisfy me. I’m telling you this, because the following review is a “See What You Think” deal, meaning you may or may not like it. I’m mixed about it.
“Vice” is a biopic about former Vice President Dick Cheney, who shows us his life from a young drunken loser to becoming a staffer for Donald Rumsfeld to his his involvement with the Halliburton oil company to George W. Bush wanting him to become V.P.
Christian Bale (reuniting with McKay from “The Big Short”) gained 40 pounds to portray Dick, and with the right make-up and acting, he does it just right. You just love how he interprets the V.P. Amy Adams offers us some fine acting as his wife Lynn, and her opening scene when he scolds Dick for his drunk behavior clinches it. Steve Carell shines as Rumsfeld by being funny and serious at the same time. Sam Rockwell keeps his cool as George W. Bush, not at the Josh Brolin level, but still good enough for me. Allison Pill keeps a mellow tone as Dick and Lynne’s Lesbian daughter Mary. And Jesse Plemons sounds like he’s having fun as the narrator. What a cast!
McKay is also known for working with Will Ferrell on such comedies as “Anchorman” or “Talledega Nights.” And when he directed both “The Big Short” and “Vice,” I knew I would be impressed by how he steps out of his comfort zone to entertain a variety of movie-goers.
I commend him for continuing his goal here, but the problem is its campy approach. It basically just pops up images, zoom-ins, zoom-outs, and political conversations that some may not understand or care (depending on their beliefs). I try my absolute best to understand the concept of politics, but I can’t be that political. Sorry for the inconvenience.
There are some funny and memorable moments, most likely a dinner scene where a waiter (Alfred Molina in cameo) tells his guests about political issues in the form of specials, and the mid-credit scene. The movie is fearless, but I wish I could have gotten more into it.
⭐️⭐️1/2
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