BULWORTH is one of those witty, social commentary pieces which, while only sporadically uproarious, delivers. Warren Beatty is the title character, a California senator who lets it all hang out during what he has paid a hit man to ensure is his last weekend on earth.
The senator's sudden carefree attitude is the key theme of BULWORTH, and offers the film's biggest laughs. Consider the line where he tells a frustrated group of black supporters that unless they "get behind someone other than a running back who stabs his wife," they'll never get rid of politicians who promise to deliver on black concerns but never follow through. Or when visiting Jewish supporters, he assures his audience that he's quite certain his speechwriter "put something bad about Farrakhan in here for you." It's about as un-PC as you can get, but that's the point.
BULWORTH also unravels (the film, not the character) with superb direction from Beatty. He wisely chose to pick up in the middle of the story rather than over-explaining the character's origins or how he got to this pathetic place he now finds himself. There are too many situations and settings for the senator to count, which aids in our viewing pleasure. Beatty also squeezed memorable performances from virtually everyone, with Halle Berry, Oliver Platt and the cameoing Larry King deserving special mention.
On the downside, BULWORTH is hurt by excessive vulgarity. Hearing Beatty and friends muse about Arsenio Hall's nether region is painful, as are the attempts to find humor in cocaine addiction. It sometimes seems as though the writers knew they only had so much quality material and felt compelled to pad out the rest with second-rate shenanigans. Moreover, the film's rather astute social commentary morphs into outright preaching, complete with stereotypical racist cops and unimaginative Hollywood-like rants against center-right ideals.
But as mentioned, BULWORTH generally overcomes its flaws. The politically inclined will appreciate it most, but it's worth a look for anyone in the mood for an adult comedy.
The senator's sudden carefree attitude is the key theme of BULWORTH, and offers the film's biggest laughs. Consider the line where he tells a frustrated group of black supporters that unless they "get behind someone other than a running back who stabs his wife," they'll never get rid of politicians who promise to deliver on black concerns but never follow through. Or when visiting Jewish supporters, he assures his audience that he's quite certain his speechwriter "put something bad about Farrakhan in here for you." It's about as un-PC as you can get, but that's the point.
BULWORTH also unravels (the film, not the character) with superb direction from Beatty. He wisely chose to pick up in the middle of the story rather than over-explaining the character's origins or how he got to this pathetic place he now finds himself. There are too many situations and settings for the senator to count, which aids in our viewing pleasure. Beatty also squeezed memorable performances from virtually everyone, with Halle Berry, Oliver Platt and the cameoing Larry King deserving special mention.
On the downside, BULWORTH is hurt by excessive vulgarity. Hearing Beatty and friends muse about Arsenio Hall's nether region is painful, as are the attempts to find humor in cocaine addiction. It sometimes seems as though the writers knew they only had so much quality material and felt compelled to pad out the rest with second-rate shenanigans. Moreover, the film's rather astute social commentary morphs into outright preaching, complete with stereotypical racist cops and unimaginative Hollywood-like rants against center-right ideals.
But as mentioned, BULWORTH generally overcomes its flaws. The politically inclined will appreciate it most, but it's worth a look for anyone in the mood for an adult comedy.