Watch these guys try and fail to destroy politicians.

“Maximum Truth” is the latest mockumentary to make its way online on various streaming services. It’s also the latest political satire to not be so deep into politics, that it even appeases to those who follow or care about them. Especially if there are those who are against Joe Biden as our POTUS. As I’ve been saying lately, “Movies, religion, and politics aren’t so different,” because they all have people with different opinions and they make such fusses over their choices. And I know someone on Facebook will make a comment about that when I share my review on various group pages.

Ike Barinholtz plays political grifter Rick Klingman, who is asked by a wealthy woman (Beth Grant) to find evidence against a congressional candidate named Antonio Kelly-Zhang (Max Minghella). He enlists the help of his friend Simon Tarnum (Dylan O’Brien), who’s young enough to try to start movements on small things.

Barinholtz wrote the screenplay with director David Stassen, and these two collaborated before in “Central Intelligence,” “The Mindy Project,” “Chicago Party Aunt,” and “History of the World: Part II.” In “Maximum Truth,” they both provide style and charisma for both the leading man and his co-star O’Brien.

Here are some of their attempts to take Antonio down.

They try getting harassment dirt on him, which becomes difficult because Fred (Mark Proksch), the man they think victimized him, may be a sex criminal. And that wouldn’t help their case.

Just as Rick and Simon finally meet the candidate, his press secretary Kelly Soo (Kelvin Yu) tells the boys to back off.

Rick protests against Seth Rogen’s play about Abraham Lincoln being depicted as a gay man, and he has no right considering that he is a Canadian actor. Rogen retaliates with “F Rick Klingman.”

Briana Baker plays reporter Jessica Harris, who eventually knows their little game. She’s able to call their bluff, just as they’re about to speak to the press.

And one character who wears out his welcome is Rick’s roommate/assistant Marco (Tony Rodriguez), who has emotional when Rick invites Simon in their home for dinner and so forth. And he even has to kick Rick out, even though he pays most of the rent, and has to act like a squatter. He isn’t all that appealing, and is like an unnecessary supporting character on “The Office.” I won’t say who.

“Maximum Truth” is a low-budgeted mockumentary that offers some laughs and charisma, thanks to Barinholtz, O’Brien, and Stassen. It basically plays like a cartoon when somebody tries and fails to get some dirt on somebody. But mostly, it represents the word of mouth and what people will say about somebody and what they will believe. Politicians can be honest or dishonest, and that’s why we have people like Rick and Simon who will both say anything to get attention.

This can be honest and funny without trying to delve deeper into politics, and it can be entertaining without spending too much money. I may not be into politics, but I sure know a smart comedy when I see one. “Maximum Truth” has my vote.

In Select Theaters and Streaming On Demand

Categories: comedy, Mockumentary