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ComedyDrama

Irresistible

- Send in the clowns.

A Democratic political consultant helps a retired Marine colonel run for mayor in a small, conservative Wisconsin town.

Release Date : 2020-07-01

Language :English

Adult : false

Status : Released

Production Company : Focus FeaturesPlan B EntertainmentBusboy Productions

Production Country : United States of America

Alternative Titles :

Cast

Steve Carell

Character Name : Gary Zimmer

Original Name : Steve Carell

Gender : Male

Rose Byrne

Character Name : Faith Brewster

Original Name : Rose Byrne

Gender : Female

Chris Cooper

Character Name : Jack Hastings

Original Name : Chris Cooper

Gender : Male

Brent Sexton

Character Name : Mayor Braun

Original Name : Brent Sexton

Gender : Male

Mackenzie Davis

Character Name : Diana Hastings

Original Name : Mackenzie Davis

Gender : Female

Topher Grace

Character Name : Kurt

Original Name : Topher Grace

Gender : Male

Natasha Lyonne

Character Name : Tina

Original Name : Natasha Lyonne

Gender : Female

Bill Irwin

Character Name : Elton Chambers

Original Name : Bill Irwin

Gender : Male

C.J. Wilson

Character Name : Dave Vanelton

Original Name : C.J. Wilson

Gender : Male

Will Sasso

Character Name : Big Mike

Original Name : Will Sasso

Gender : Male

Alan Aisenberg

Character Name : Evan

Original Name : Alan Aisenberg

Gender : Male

Kevin Maier

Character Name : Councilman Jacobson

Original Name : Kevin Maier

Gender : Male

Tom Key

Character Name : Councilman Pietkowski

Original Name : Tom Key

Gender : Male

Matt Lewis

Character Name : Pearl

Original Name : Matt Lewis

Gender : Male

Vince Pisani

Character Name : Kaplan

Original Name : Vince Pisani

Gender : Male

Kurt Yue

Character Name : DNC Staffer

Original Name : Kurt Yue

Gender : Male

Denise Moyé

Character Name : DNC Staffer

Original Name : Denise Moyé

Gender : Male

Andre Rodriguez II

Character Name : DNC Staffer

Original Name : Andre Rodriguez II

Gender : Male

Neal Reddy

Character Name : DNC Staffer

Original Name : Neal Reddy

Gender : Male

Sasha Morfaw

Character Name : Gary's Assistant

Original Name : Sasha Morfaw

Gender : Female

Kelsi Macaluso

Character Name : Gary's Assistant

Original Name : Kelsi Macaluso

Gender : Male

Will McLaughlin

Character Name : Little Mike

Original Name : Will McLaughlin

Gender : Male

Blake Jones

Character Name : Hofbrau Waiter

Original Name : Blake Jones

Gender : Male

William Smith

Character Name : Hofbrau Bar Fly

Original Name : William Smith

Gender : Male

Eve Gordon

Character Name : Tonya Vanelton

Original Name : Eve Gordon

Gender : Female

Seam Fitzpatrick

Character Name : Deerlaken Gary

Original Name : Seam Fitzpatrick

Gender : Male

Blair Sams

Character Name : Ann

Original Name : Blair Sams

Gender : Male

Pat Fisher

Character Name : Dot

Original Name : Pat Fisher

Gender : Female

Christian Adam

Character Name : Michael

Original Name : Christian Adam

Gender : Male

Rebecca Ray

Character Name : Becca

Original Name : Rebecca Ray

Gender : Female

Nickolas Wolf

Character Name : Phillip

Original Name : Nickolas Wolf

Gender : Male

Robert J. Carlton

Character Name : Veteran

Original Name : Robert J. Carlton

Gender : Male

Ian Covell

Character Name : Dan / Daniel

Original Name : Ian Covell

Gender : Male

Gretchen Koerner

Character Name : Lizzie

Original Name : Gretchen Koerner

Gender : Female

Russell Davis

Character Name : Ziggy

Original Name : Russell Davis

Gender : Male

Matthew Knott

Character Name : Wendell

Original Name : Matthew Knott

Gender : Male

Andrea Frankle

Character Name : Campaign Worker

Original Name : Andrea Frankle

Gender : Female

William Tokarsky

Character Name : Campaign Worker

Original Name : William Tokarsky

Gender : Male

Jason Kirkpatrick

Character Name : Campaign Worker

Original Name : Jason Kirkpatrick

Gender : Male

Aaron Strand

Character Name : Campaign Worker

Original Name : Aaron Strand

Gender : Male

Megan McFarland

Character Name : Betsy

Original Name : Megan McFarland

Gender : Male

Christopher Hampton

Character Name : Kurt's Guy

Original Name : Christopher Hampton

Gender : Male

Parker Chapin

Character Name : Tommy

Original Name : Parker Chapin

Gender : Male

Bruce Altman

Character Name : Mr. Peeler

Original Name : Bruce Altman

Gender : Male

Debra Nelson

Character Name : Townhouse Woman

Original Name : Debra Nelson

Gender : Female

Aaron Marcus

Character Name : Townhouse Guest

Original Name : Aaron Marcus

Gender : Male

Lisa Finlayson

Character Name : Townhouse Guest

Original Name : Lisa Finlayson

Gender : Male

Zele Avradopoulos

Character Name : Townhouse Guest

Original Name : Zele Avradopoulos

Gender : Female

Swift Rice

Character Name : Townhouse Guest

Original Name : Swift Rice

Gender : Male

Cathy Hope

Character Name : Townhouse Guest

Original Name : Cathy Hope

Gender : Male

Chelsea Banglesdorf

Character Name : Townhouse Guest

Original Name : Chelsea Banglesdorf

Gender : Male

Steve Barnes

Character Name : Jimmy

Original Name : Steve Barnes

Gender : Male

Kathleen Hogan

Character Name : Interviewer

Original Name : Kathleen Hogan

Gender : Female

Annie Cook

Character Name : SMAW

Original Name : Annie Cook

Gender : Female

Sandra Lee-Oian Thomas

Character Name : SMAW

Original Name : Sandra Lee-Oian Thomas

Gender : Female

Jason Davis

Character Name : WOMAM

Original Name : Jason Davis

Gender : Male

Pete Burris

Character Name : WOMAM

Original Name : Pete Burris

Gender : Male

Ryan Lewis

Character Name : YAWM

Original Name : Ryan Lewis

Gender : Male

Jason Vendryes

Character Name : YAWM

Original Name : Jason Vendryes

Gender : Male

Christian Ruiz

Character Name : MoSH

Original Name : Christian Ruiz

Gender : Male

Katlyn Carlson

Character Name : The Anchors Brooke

Original Name : Katlyn Carlson

Gender : Female

Desi Lydic

Character Name : Fox News Anchor

Original Name : Desi Lydic

Gender : Female

Doug Trapp

Character Name : Fox News Anchor

Original Name : Doug Trapp

Gender : Male

Karl Kenzler

Character Name : Fox News Anchor

Original Name : Karl Kenzler

Gender : Male

Richie Moriarty

Character Name : MSNBC Anchor

Original Name : Richie Moriarty

Gender : Male

Andrea Cirie

Character Name : CNN Anchor

Original Name : Andrea Cirie

Gender : Female

Brandon Rush

Character Name : Talking Head

Original Name : Brandon Rush

Gender : Male

John Schmedes

Character Name : Talking Head

Original Name : John Schmedes

Gender : Male

Richard Garner

Character Name : Talking Head

Original Name : Richard Garner

Gender : Male

Amor Owens

Character Name : Talking Head

Original Name : Amor Owens

Gender : Female

Chimere Love

Character Name : Talking Head

Original Name : Chimere Love

Gender : Male

Nate Stewart

Character Name : Environmentalist / Pamphleteer

Original Name : Nate Stewart

Gender : Male

Maggie Stewart

Character Name : Environmentalist

Original Name : Maggie Stewart

Gender : Male

Brad Lund

Character Name : Local Cameraman

Original Name : Brad Lund

Gender : Male

Candy Crowley

Character Name : Self

Original Name : Candy Crowley

Gender : Male

Trevor Potter

Character Name : Self

Original Name : Trevor Potter

Gender : Male

Joe Scarborough

Character Name : Self

Original Name : Joe Scarborough

Gender : Male

Mika Brzezinski

Character Name : Self

Original Name : Mika Brzezinski

Gender : Female

Charlotte Deleste

Character Name : Self

Original Name : Charlotte Deleste

Gender : Male

Eric Franke

Character Name : Self

Original Name : Eric Franke

Gender : Male

Rick Yudt

Character Name : Jim Jones (uncredited)

Original Name : Rick Yudt

Gender : Male

Shane Berengue

Character Name : News Crew (uncredited)

Original Name : Shane Berengue

Gender : Male

Gloria Bishop

Character Name : Mike's Friend at Fish Fry (uncredited)

Original Name : Gloria Bishop

Gender : Female

Andrew Blood

Character Name : Jack's Body Man (uncredited)

Original Name : Andrew Blood

Gender : Male

Fred Galle

Character Name : Paul Cane (uncredited)

Original Name : Fred Galle

Gender : Male

Charles Green

Character Name : Father Heuvel (uncredited)

Original Name : Charles Green

Gender : Male

Jennifer Hall

Character Name : DC Type (uncredited)

Original Name : Jennifer Hall

Gender : Female

Jen Nikolaisen

Character Name : MSNBC Reporter (uncredited)

Original Name : Jen Nikolaisen

Gender : Female

Cliff Weissman

Character Name : Town Hall Moderator (uncredited)

Original Name : Cliff Weissman

Gender : Male

Russ Williamson

Character Name : Dart Player (uncredited)

Original Name : Russ Williamson

Gender : Male

Debra Messing

Character Name : Babs Garnett (uncredited)

Original Name : Debra Messing

Gender : Female

Robert Tinsley

Character Name : Republican Consultant (uncredited)

Original Name : Robert Tinsley

Gender : Male

Reviews

G

garethmb

@garethmb

2021-06-23

jon Stewart has been fairly quiet since his retirement from The Daily Show. In a recent interview with Howard Stern he talked about being content on a farm for rescued animals and enjoying more time with his family. He also sent to that he would be doing projects that interested him. In “Irresistible” Stewart working as both Writer and Director has crafted a funny, informative, and expansive look at the political process. Steve Carell stars as Gary Zimmer; a senior advisor to the Clinton’s who is still smarting over the recent election particularly his insistence that the “Rust Belt” was firmly in their hands and therefore opted not to devote a significant amount of time campaigning there which in turn was a key reason for their defeat. An online video from a small farming community in Wisconsin catches Gary’s eye as it shows a former Marine farmer named Jack Hastings (Chris Cooper) challenging the local mayor at a town hall over immigration related issues and other hot topics. Convinced that he can bring Jack over to the Democratic Party and use him as a starting point to restore the party in Wisconsin; Gary heads to the small town to make his pitch. He quickly finds himself out of his element as the small-town community with friendly townsfolk to watch out for one another is very different than what he is used to. Gary eventually convinces Jack to run for Mayor and his involvement soon attracts the big money from the opposing side that seem to be rattled by what appears to be an insignificant small-town campaign. Gary soon realizes that his nemesis Faith (Rose Byrne) who is his opposite for the Republican Party. Gary and Faith have a clear history with one another and there is clearly plenty of animosity between them as each one is determined to succeed and broke their success in the face of the other. As the campaign unfolds viewers are given a very direct look at how the political machine works from polling, demographics, special interests, fund raising, campaigning, muckraking, and using the media. While this is often presented in a humorous way; Stewart uses a lot of simple but direct approaches to the various topics as he did on The Daily Show as a basis for further discussion. The film takes some unexpected twists as it unfolds and the conclusion helps underscore that all parties involved often have an angle that they’re trying to work. One of the biggest messages that I took from the film was that the amount of money poured into campaigns has become more about one side beating the other rather than addressing the issues and putting the best possible people forward to represent the population. Stewart handles the very complicated topics of the film through humor but above all used generally likable characters on all sides. Nobody was truly evil and you could clearly see much of their motivations. The closing credits contains an interview with a political expert who discusses Superpacs and their lack of oversight and how people with ulterior motives can generate large amounts of money by manipulating the system completely within the law. From a strong cast and entertaining story. Stewart has crafted a very solid and enjoyable film that will make you think. 4 stars out of 5

M

Manuel São Bento

@msbreviews

2021-06-23

If you enjoy reading my Spoiler-Free reviews, please follow my blog @ https://www.msbreviews.com If someone asks me what I would entirely remove from the world to make it a better place, my answer would either be politics or religion. Both are necessary in their own way, but all I see is lies, corruption, racism, war, death, and so on. Therefore, I'm not a fan of political movies, even when these are meant to be satires or just a light-hearted flick for families to enjoy. That said, I really liked Jon Stewart's talk show, and Steve Carell is one of those actors who's always able to make me laugh no matter what. So, I decided to give this one a go... I have very mixed feelings, but probably not the ones most people will share with one another. Being from Portugal (an European country with a wholly different process of election) and having close to zero interest in politics, I struggled with completely understanding America's way of campaigning and voting, which is kind of one of the points the film eventually makes: the system isn't the best one. Ironically, one of the best parts is somewhat connected to one of my major issues. The last fifteen to twenty minutes play out a genuinely smart idea, even if it's logically ludicrous, but it made me want the entire film to explore it. From the very beginning until the start of these last few minutes, it's a pretty straightforward political-comedy with nothing being remotely unique or groundbreaking. I didn't even chuckle at most of the jokes, and when I did, it was more due to the actor's performance than the joke on itself. Irresistible follows a formulaic cycle of events, where Democrats and Republicans constantly get the upper hand on each other with an extra move after the other. Honestly, it gets tiresome and dull at a certain point. This is how those last minutes that I addressed above relate to this issue: I wish that the movie had explored that final idea instead of saving it for a plot twist that was far from mind-blowing. Yes, it's an entirely unrealistic idea in the sense that it's impossible for it to actually happen without someone screwing it up. However, I rather have a film with a bold yet nonsensical concept boasting a really impactful message than saving this portion to be the ending of a cheesy, cliche, unfunny, and not that entertaining political satire. Honestly, without the extraordinary cast, Irresistible would have been a total disaster. Steve Carell, as expected, carries the whole thing to safe harbor. I always loved his mannerisms and expressions, even when some people find them over-the-top or unnecessary. I just can't not like one of his performances. He perfectly captures the "man from the capital" persona, someone who doesn't know how to deal with the hospitality of Rural America or how to talk to Deerlaken's people or even what to order at a bar. Chris Cooper delivers a phenomenal display as Jack Hastings, the Democrat's candidate. His will to save his town and his love for everyone who lives in it takes him through the crooked path of politics, but without ever giving up on what he truly believes in. He doesn't want to lie, he doesn't want to play like everyone else plays, he just wants to be himself. Mackenzie Davis returns to her good performances (loved in Terminator: Dark Fate, but The Turning was a terrible mistake in her career), by playing the not-that-innocent daughter, Diana Hastings. Finally, I like Rose Byrne, but her character's relationship with Gary Zimmer is also one of my biggest problems with the movie. They're the most annoying part of it all. Extremely cliche, not funny at all, and the dialogues become so exaggeratedly improvised. Their banter continuously unbalances the tone. This type of toxic yet sexy relationship has been seen so many times now that it genuinely becomes incredibly irritating. Jon Stewart clearly needs some notes so that next time, he knows how to distinguish a feature film from a talk show's sketch. Irresistible owns a bold, intelligent idea that despite being unrealistically absurd, it carries an impactful message that I'd love to have seen explored in a deeper level, and not just in the last fifteen minutes. Jon Stewart's movie is at its best when making subtle little jokes about important real-life themes like racism, immigration, gun violence, political corruption, and more, showing the audience how some people foolishly react in certain situations. However, if it weren't for an outstanding Steve Carell and an exceptional cast, this film would have been a trainwreck. With a formulaic narrative lacking effective humor and unique characterization, Irresistible struggles to be remotely entertaining. It also features such a cliche, annoying relationship between two characters that made me roll my eyes and sigh way too often. A comedy that barely makes me chuckle about an activity I sincerely hate... It didn't work for me, but if you enjoy this subgenre, go for it. It's still far from being an awful movie. Rating: C

T

the_original_crt

@the_original_crt

2021-06-23

I found this movie to be witty and funny while at the same time tackling the very serious issue of elite campaign financing in politics and the neglect of heartland America. The story seemed to be well written and directed (from my standpoint as a regular viewer not a critic). And acting wasn't bad either (typical Steve Carell humor like in Space Force) It reminded me, in part, of the movie "Welcome to Mooseport", which had a similar theme. Would definitely recommend for someone looking for a light hearted funny movie.

T

tmdb15214618

@tmdb15214618

2021-06-23

I'm dismayed to discover that Jon Stewart wrote and directed this but now I get it. Irresistible plays like a Hallmark / Comedy Central collaboration. It's as bad as that sounds. We spend all our time hopping from one broad, lazy, tired caricature of rural life to another. That works on a comedy show. It doesn't work in a movie, which needs to be a more meaty, sinewy, full-bodied experience. I only rate it this highly because it's watchable--but why would you? The movie won't give you a reason. Even the comedic genius of Rose Byrne can't save this thing 'cause she's not in it enough.

L

Louisa Moore - Screen Zealots

@screenzealots

2021-06-23

There is a group of folks who will absolutely hate “Irresistible,” the new political satire from writer / director Jon Stewart. They’ll equate it with beating a dead horse, finding it to be an aggravating exercise in what they like to term “liberal elitism.” Then there will be the politically-minded viewers in agreement with Stewart who will voraciously slurp up what is dished out on screen, shouting an internal “Amen!” as the story preaches to the choir. Neither will be completely wrong, but reactions and reviews will likely be split along political lines — or your noted tolerance for intellectual sarcasm. The politically-charged dramedy is about what happens when a small Wisconsin town becomes the main attraction at the heart of a political circus. When Washington, D.C.’s top Democrat strategist Gary (Steve Carell) is sent a video of retired Marine Colonel Jack Hastings (Chris Cooper) standing up for the rights of local undocumented workers at a town hall meeting, he begins to salivate at the possibility that he may have just discovered the potential key to winning back the red-leaning Heartland. Gary comments that Jack “looks conservative, but sounds progressive” and devises a plan to convince the man to run for Mayor — as a Democrat. Big-money Republicans begin to notice as Jack’s campaign takes off and send in a powerful counterattack in the form of Gary’s brilliant political consultant nemesis (and Fox News favorite), Faith (Rose Byrne). What started out as a local race rapidly spins out of control as the two pundits attack each other in increasingly personal and cutthroat ways in their fight to come out on top. The comedy aspects start out with basic, lukewarm, fish-out-of-water gags as Gary adjusts to small-town life (he makes a disgusted face every time he’s served a bottle of Budweiser, for example). The funniest, smartest bits really get going when the mayoral race is given the Presidential-style election treatment. The over-the-top political strategy includes increasingly ridiculous campaign ads and stunts, all designed to win the favor of the town’s undecided voters. Stewart knows that his audience is smart and never stoops to explaining his jokes, which provides a refreshing contrast from films that have a tendency to treat viewers as idiots. There’s a strong commentary that’s critical about everything from super PACs, the media, the quick dismissal many Democrat strategists employ in the flyover states, and a takedown of campaign finance laws, noting that fundraising is one of the most blatant examples of accepted corruption in America’s political system today. It’s absurd how much money is poured into campaigns, and Stewart strongly makes his case with this tale of political discourse. In case your preconceived notions are expecting it, you should note that Stewart doesn’t make the rural voters in America’s heartland out to be stupid dolts. It’s quite the contrary. In some cases, the plain and simple country folk are the smartest people in the room. That’s not to say that Stewart hides his one-sided political stance (he doesn’t), and his snarky brand of commentary combined with an impassioned liberal viewpoint may turn off some closed-minded viewers. But the film hopefully will serve as a motivator to encourage people to get out and vote in November, and is a reminder that so many of us are too comfortable in our ideological bubbles that we often forget to reach out to the other side. The film ends with a strange “gotcha” style twist that manipulates the audience, much like the entire campaigning system it’s attempting to satirize. The conclusion is a bit of a letdown, but “Irresistible” makes a valid point about our country’s divisive party politics.

S

SWITCH.

@maketheSWITCH

2021-06-23

Despite the incredible and comedically gifted cast and filmmaker, 'Irresistible' is... well, boring. Not boring boring, just dull. It's interesting as a political commentary but as far as laughs, pacing and general storytelling go, it's pretty much a snooze. There were some good jabs at the media and a sneaky poke at Hollywood's romantic age and gender disparities, which was enjoyable for half a second. If you're able to make it to the film's conclusion without falling asleep, there is a pretty decent payoff - but was it worth the journey? Eh, depends on your love and interest level on American politics and their wacky electoral system. I was expecting great things from Stewart and his former protégé, but alas my expectations were perhaps too high and the magic did not follow. Look, there's a lot of crap out there and you could do worse, but this is just an “okay“ film. Sorry. Try again in four years. - Jess Fenton Read Jess' full article... https://www.maketheswitch.com.au/article/review-irresistible-a-behind-the-scenes-look-into-the-broken-us-electoral-system

K

Kamurai

@Kamurai

2021-06-23

Bad watch, won't watch again, and can't recommend. I'm not re-watching this for the review. While Steve Correll and Rose Byrne are both great actors, I can't admit to being big fans, and I'm willing to bet I find "The Campaign" entrertaining even if I did not find this so. And I didn't. Politics, especially politics that aren't yours, and fictional politics doubly so, are not entertaining. There supposed to be a serious attempt at managing how our levels of government are run. As this movie highlights, certain avenues of politics are just big gang wars, mostly financial, with everyone trying to do whatever they can to get whatever they can, whether it is ethical or not. The people that do what happens in this movie in real life either see it as a war, or a sadistic game, which is where the barest amount of entertainment appears in this movie. It's star-crossed lovers trying to hurt one another in the most complicated and costly way possible. The good story is the one they hide from you, and it's next to impossible to enjoy it with the "A" story in the way. Just don't bother unless you're a HUGE Steve Correll fan or a big political comedy movie fan.