CULTURE SCREENS
22
434.975.3000 • PrintSourceVA.com OFFSET PRINTING VEHICLE GRAPHICS
DIGITAL COPIES BANNERS & SIGNS
Missed opportunity Jon Stewart makes a disappointing return to political satire By Kristofer Jenson arts@c-ville.com
20 single use & take out menus
% OFF
T
his review contains mild spoilers, so if you prefer to avoid them, let your main takeaway be that Irresistible is an unfunny comedy, an uneven production, and a toothless satire with a message about as clarifying in the current political climate as a Check Engine light in a demolition derby. The second film from writer-director Jon Stewart, Irresistible follows Democratic strategist Gary Zimmer (Steve Carell), who’s attempting to reconnect his party with the voters it lost in 2016. Battered by that defeat, he finds hope in Deerlaken, Wisconsin, the source of a viral video showing Marine Colonel Jack Hastings (Chris Cooper) standing up for the immigrant population of his hometown. Seeing an opportunity, Zimmer flies to Wisconsin, and convinces Colonel Hastings, aided by his daughter Diana (Mackenzie Davis), to run as a Democrat against Republican Mayor Braun (Brent Sexton). That campaign catches the eye of Zimmer’s nemesis, Republican strategist Faith Brewster (Rose Byrne). Soon,
design or typesetting extra, laminated or plastic menus excluded
One Coupon per customer, per order. Cannot be combined with other discounts. Coupon must be mentioned at time of placing order. No special order items. Expires 12/31/20.
renatal Care, Asthma Care, Emergency Services, Organ Transplants, X-rays,
OPD Treatment, Dermatology, Stroke Care, Checkups, GYN Health,
idney Stones, Sleep
we ’ re
Apnea, Incontinence, Urologic Care,
facebook.com/cville.weekly
nxiety & Depression, Knee Replacements, Hip Replacements, Shoulder
eplacements, Concussion Treatments,
open Epilepsy Care, Allergy
the town becomes a battleground for the soul of America, gaining national attention, and outside money. The premise isn’t terribly original, but there’s room enough for a savvy storyteller to fill it with good characters, witty repartee, and a few choice jabs at worthy targets. Though the entire cast is talented, there’s precisely one notable character—Byrne’s Brewster—and almost no jokes worth remembering. Much of this stems from the film never figuring out how it wants to treat the audience. Are we in on the joke? Are we supposed to find it mind blowing that our political system is corrupt? There’s a broad tone that never gels with the inside baseball shenanigans, and the amount of effort Stewart exerts to avoid pandering is itself patronizing. Even when satire doesn’t land, there’s always the possibility that the narrative might make things worthwhile. Sadly, it doesn’t. Zimmer is wholly unsympathetic, and the film isn’t mean enough to make him an antihero. Natasha Lyonne and Topher Grace appear as analysts who do mostly the same thing, but have contempt for the other’s methods. This ought to be a terrific pairing, and the two have excellent
esting, Neuropathy, Diabetes Management, Cardiac Rehab,Varicose Vein
reatments, Back Pain, Migraines, Carpal Tunnel Treatment, Arthritis Care,
rostate Health Management,
for
Movement Disorder Treatments,
ariatric Surgery/Weight Management, Skin Cancer Screening, Blood @cville_culture
ressure Management, Celiac Disease Treatment, Prenatal Care, Asthma Care,
mergency Services, Organ Transplants,
you.
X-rays, COPD Treatment,
While many things may be uncertain, your access to world-class care never is. Whether it’s routine healthcare, elective surgery, or specialized expertise, UVA Health is open and ready to see you. As Virginia’s top hospital, we’ve implemented rigorous procedures to ensure you and your family can be treated safely and effectively. Because we believe extraordinary care shouldn’t be limited to extraordinary circumstances. To schedule your next appointment, visit UVAHealth.com. Virtual visit appointments also available. SA F E . R E A DY. O P E N . FOCUS FEATURES
July 8 – 14, 2020 c-ville.com
ermatology, Stroke Care, Checkups, GYN Health, Kidney Stones, Sleep
Despite an all-star cast that includes Chris Cooper and Steve Carell, Jon Stewart’s Irresistible doesn’t land the quick-witted political jabs he so deftly dished out on “The Daily Show.”
