Recount

HBO gets bonus points! This predatory re-creation of America's most controversial election, which is well cast, cleverly written, and relatively impartial, stumbles only at points when there are so many characters involved and so many names being spoken that the uninitiated viewer simply can't keep up. Still, audiences will take away the feeling that the United States electoral system is upside down, and at the turn of the millennium its sacred constitution got its ass kicked. 4 ½. (03/02/2009)

An immensely engrossing "talking" film that I enjoyed from the first to the last minute. I didn't mind the fact that the filmmakers sided with Al Gore here and there, because they still managed to keep the plot neutral between the Republican and Democratic camps for most of its duration, giving the viewer a perfect insight into the glorious election. Indeed, that's what I call democracy. I think our outdated voting system is golden, when I see how sophisticated the ballots are and how great the vote counters are in progressive countries overseas. One goes to vote, has only five minutes to do so, and when one leaves the ballot box, one has to pray that one's vote will be counted for the person for whom it should be counted (if it is counted at all). Pretty scary. As for the film, it's written in a very engaging way and I would say it will be understandable even to people who know nothing about the Florida recount. Acted just right (by Kevin Spacey, Tom Wilkinson and Laura Dern especially). It is true that in the last quarter or so the constant lawsuits flying from both sides start to get a bit annoying, but I think it was annoying in reality, so why would poke fun at that? Three and a half stars. After You Don't Know Jack, another big point for HBO. (02/06/2012)