Screens: Jon Stewart’s political

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Jon Stewart makes a disappointing return to political satire

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By Kristofer Jenson arts@c-ville.com

This 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 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

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amount of effort Stewart exerts to avoid pandering is itself patronizing. Even when satire doesn’t land, there’s the immigrant population of his homealways the possibility that the narrative town. Seeing an opportunity, Zimmer Prenatal Care, Asthma Care, Emergency Services, Organ Transplants, X-rays, might make things worthwhile. Sadly, it flies to Wisconsin, and convinces Colonel doesn’t. Zimmer is wholly unsympathetic, Hastings, aided by his daughter Diana COPD Treatment, Dermatology, Stroke Care, Checkups, GYN Health, and the film isn’t mean enough to make Kidney Stones, Sleep we ’ re (Mackenzie Davis), to run as a Democrat against Republican Mayor Braun (Brent Sexton). That campaign catches the eye Apnea, Incontinence, Urologic Care, him an antihero. Natasha Lyonne and Topher Grace appear as analysts who do mostly the same thing, but have contempt for of Zimmer’s nemesis, Republican strat Anxiety & Depression, Knee Replacements, Hip Replacements, Shoulder the other’s methods. This ought to be a facebook.com/cville.weekly egist Faith Brewster (Rose Byrne). Soon, Replacements, Concussion Treatments, open Epilepsy Care, Allergy Testing, Neuropathy, Diabetes Management, Cardiac Rehab,Varicose Vein Treatments, Back Pain, Migraines, Carpal Tunnel Treatment, Arthritis Care, Prostate Health Management, for Movement Disorder Treatments, Bariatric Surgery/Weight Management, Skin Cancer Screening, Blood terrific pairing, and the two have excellent Pressure Management, Celiac Disease Treatment, Prenatal Care, Asthma Care, @cville_culture While many things may be uncertain, your access to world-class care never is. Whether Emergency Services, Organ Transplants, you. X-rays, COPD Treatment, Dermatology, Stroke Care, Checkups, GYN Health, Kidney Stones, Sleep 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 c-ville.com 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. SAFE. READY. OPEN. July 8 – 14, 2020 FOCUS FEATURES 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.”