User Reviews

"Man of the Year" tells the story of Tom Dobbs (Robin Williams) a political comedian (like Jon Stewart or Stephen Colbert) who has his own television show. On his show he talks about all sorts of things but his main focus are political issues which he is very opinionated about. One day on his show, a fan from the audience raises the idea that Dobbs should run for President of the United States. After that episode aired, millions flocked to the web to create various petitions and voice their opinions on why Dobbs would make a great candidate for the President for the United States. A few weeks later, Dobbs decides to run for President and low and behold wins the election. Everything seems to be going as planned until a woman by the name of Eleanor Green (Laura Linney) shows up and starts some controversy regarding his position. A funny yet serious political thriller ensues…

Man anyone walking into this film expecting to see a brainless comedy will surely be disappointed. I always wonder how some people are film marketers when I see how misleading their marketing campaigns. "Man of the Year" is a great example of bad and misleading marketing, because everything from the poster, to the trailer, to the online advertisements makes this movie look and feel like a comedy. I would honestly have to say about 1/3 of the film is funny while the rest of it plays off as a political thriller that makes good arguments and allows its audience to think. I kind of wonder in this case if the marketing was done on purpose since this film addresses pretty serious issues in-between its comedy routine.

But enough about marketing, lets get down to the film itself.

I really liked "Man of the Year" even though I was expecting to see a comedy instead of a serious film. One of the many things I will give this film credit for is that the film does a decent job switching between comedy and drama even though at first it seems a little awkward. I really think that after you figure this out that the movie is going to be more of a political thriller than a comedy you get comfortable with it. Some may not because they are lead to believe that they are seeing a comedy and don't understand what this film is trying to say in the end but for those people they can blame the marketers for not advertising this film right.

"Man of the Year" talks about a lot of things and seems to have a very strong opinion. As Tom Dobbs speaks he is saying things that need to be said and isn't about candy coating them. I also think the whole political subplot, while most critics say hurt the film probably again because of the misleading marketing, was very good. The idea of computerize voting has been tossed around the last few years and with all the problems computers have the issue being addressed in this film could surely be realistic. Also the control big businesses have over voting also gets addressed.

As far as acting goes, I think everyone involved did a good job. Robin Williams had a chance to be funny yet serious at the same time by playing Tom Dobbs. Some say that Williams has overstayed his welcome as a comedian but I personally still think he is funny and he's a good serious actor as well. This is probably one of the few occasions though that we get to see him go back and forth from serious to funny and I think it works well. Also it's nice to see Lewis Black co-star in a decent film. Again I like Black when he appears on "The Daily Show" and does stand up however most of the films he has been in were awful. This was a good movie for him because I think his political views fit in with the story that director Barry Levinson was trying to convey. Laura Linney is a fine addition to the cast and proves once again that she is a very good actress and lastly Christopher Walken and Jeff Goldblum both do a very good job as always with this roles handed to them.

"Man of the Year" was written and directed by Barry Levinson, the man who has brought us such films as "Rain Man," "Good Morning Vietnam," and "Wag the Dog." Levinson does a fine job writing the film and directing it. Like I said I know a lot of critics didn't like the whole political thriller aspect of the film but I thought it fit in nicely. It was actually nice to watch a mainstream movie that allowed me to both think and laugh at the same time. Barry Levinson did a fine job with this film.

In the end, don't go into this film expecting to see the movie that the commercials are selling you. It does have laughs but at the same time it plays off more as a political drama. It's not as stupid or silly as the marketing campaign leads you to believe. I really liked the fact that this film that this film wasn't a typical Hollywood film. It tried to be a comedy and a serious drama at the same time and worked at least for me. I like the fact that the film didn't really tone down any of the issues it addressed nor did it have a typical Hollywood ending. I was trying to call the ending from the get go but surprisingly it didn't end the way I thought which made me happy. It's a movie that will make you laugh but then a few minutes later allow you to think and wonder what's going to happen next. I think its a good movie that will be hurt by its bad marketing.

Robin Williams is "Man of the Year" in this 2006 film also starring Christopher Walken, Laura Linney, and Jeff Goldblum. Williams plays comedian Tom Dobbs, a Jon Stewart type who decides to run for President. He gives great speeches, filled with humor, and ruins a televised debate against the incumbent, but wins a standing ovation. He wins.

Laura Linney plays Eleanor Green, who works for the company that developed the new, state of the art voting system, and she realizes that there was a problem with it, and that Dobbs did not win the election. Her superiors absolutely don't want it to come out. Posing as someone from the FBI, she is able to approach the President-elect but gets caught up in his humor and his friendly entourage and doesn't tell him. Meanwhile, the company has gotten rid of her and is taking any steps it can to discredit her.

I knew nothing of this film going in, so I didn't know that it was incorrectly marketed. I found the film an easy mix of hilarious comedy, mostly Williams' routines, and some true drama. This is never easy to do, and often, a film like this doesn't know what it wants to be. That's not the case with "Man of the Year," and I think Levinson's approach is successful. Mostly this is because Robin Williams can do anything - he's a riot, he's warm, he can do real drama, and here he does a wonderful job. Laura Linney gives a terrific performance as a woman who finds herself in terrible trouble as she tries to right a wrong.

Very good movie with a good cast.

There are some movies that almost look like prophecies. In this film, a highly popular comedian leverages his fame and notoriety to create an independent, largely Internet-based support platform, through which he launches an election run to the White House.

The film debuted in 2006, isn't one of the best known in Robbin William's filmography but remains very pertinent and current if we take into account the latest developments in US politics, and the election of the current president, Donald Trump. Like the protagonist, Mr. Trump had no prior political experience and used all of his fame and notoriety to reach the presidency. Both are outsiders, who apply to please those who are tired of conventional politicians. Curious, is not it?

Williams is good in the lead role, which is basically the typical comic character that he knew how to do very well. So, without surprises, he stands out and does a very good job. Behind him, we can see a competent cast of supporting actors. Laura Linney is, perhaps, the actress whose character is more within a dramatic profile. Its around her that a conspiracy revolves around, preventing an electoral error from becoming public and ruining all future prospects of a large technology company. Christopher Walken, for his part, plays a clever political aide with an eye for the show.

I honestly don't know if there's much point in reviewing a movie 14 years after release, however, that's how I watch movies and sometimes I like to review regardless. For this particular movie, a chance encounter, the moment seemed perfect considering what's going on right now.

I look at the rating for this movie, which currently stands at 6.2 and wonder why it's so low. It's Robin Williams at his best, with a great selection of co-stars. It's also great satire, and a decent story. As always I've checked out a few of the other reviews and it seems people don't find it believable. Wow, how times have changed eh? People found it hard to believe that a glitch could disrupt an election and literally as I type an investigation continues regarding out and out fraud in an election.

So, we have a comedy movie with a good number of Robin Williams laugh out loud moments. We have a decent storyline which is enough to keep you involved without requiring a psychology degree as so many movies seem to require recently. And we have a little action thrown in which, in light of many events over the last few years which have invoked interest from conspiracy theorists, isn't actually that unbelievable.

So overall, in my opinion, a great movie that I'll happily add to my collection to watch again. And a little food for thought with regards to current affairs!

Okay, I wasn't sure about this movie prior to going. I read the four or five reviews and they said it wasn't a comedy. Therefore, I expected it to be a thriller like they said.

Well, they weren't exactly correct. It is funny, and no, not all the humor is in the trailer. I agree, this is not just a comedy, it's a dramady (drama/comedy) But if you know that going in, you won't be as disappointed. It is similar to Barry Levinsons other comedies, funny but also has some deep drama.

This movie was advertised wrong, much like The Village. But it is still a good movie

A political satire of a comedian (Williams) who after dissing the political campaigns and presidents is forced into the running. But shockingly we wins and makes a mockery of the office. "Man of the Year" is not the funniest movie nor the best but in small doses it does work. Williams again teaming with Levinson after a hit with "Good Morning, Vietnam". The two seem to have a great chemistry and work off each other. I am not comparing them to Scorsese and DeNiro but you can get the picture. Although I wouldn't quite say to rush out there and see the movie in theaters I would recommend renting it. This movie is a comedy but also has a great satire, please if you like movies like "Scary Movie 4" this is not for you, take your brain with you to see it. - ***

The premise of this movie, of a comedian talk show host running for president as an independent just to shake things up, is funny, entertaining, brilliant and even a bit inspiring. (thought about the west wing debate when Tom Dobbs leaves his podium, thought about Steven Colbert announcing his candidacy, good times) The first 15 - 20 minutes of this movie are therefore very very entertaining, the debate especially. When he eventually get's elected, it's a pity that is because of a computer glitch, you'd want him to win fair (although that is unrealistic).

But after that this movie goes completely downhill. I thought we'd get a great movie like 'Dave' (1993) in which we see how it would out if a comedian actually ran the country. Instead, the movie turns from comedy into a thriller, a romantic comedy and a drama and does none good. The computer glitch becomes the main storyline, which really sucks. Boy is this disappointing. I give it 3 stars just for the premise and because I actually managed to watch this movie from start to end without stopping it, which is usually a good thing with me.

I really like Robin Williams and Christopher Walken, who are perfectly cast in this film. Linney is also very good, given what she attempted to do. However, the big hole in this film is simplicity; it is missing. Instead, we get a convoluted attempt at a sappy love story interfering with a potentially hilarious comedy. The conspiracy angle is also an unnecessary subplot. A comedien getting elected in the US was well within the possibility of real life. Dobbs could have been elected on his own; look at President Trump. And Dobbs is a lot funnier than President Trump. A much more believalbe subplot might have been a news anchorwoman who is vehemently against Dobbs originally (like someone from MSNBC) and then warms up after a few personal interviews. The missed opportunities for meeting with foreign leaders is really a terrible shame. Couldnt you just imagine how funny a meeting with Putin and Xi Jinping would have been, among others (not to mention Merkel and May). Missed opportunities for a truly classic comedy. What a shame. Still worth watching despite the contrived conspiracy and romance.

Beautifully blends Robin's comedy with real world social commentary and pathos - fabulous acting by Laura Linney - conveys much of the madness that is American politics.

The movie is more of a mockumentary of corruption in the whole American system. The correlations of those who vote who do not matter is so proved in the machines that end of voting a comedian to the oval office. Politicians are such a joke that we almost need a comic to represent us as we have been laughed at for years around the world. Bushism's have become a way of life for Americans and will be the only thing left after he leaves office none to soon. Oddly the only person of honesty is someone not even elected to the position and tells the truth in the end. The story is very subtle and if you go to it for laughs, it ain't happening. Leaves a lot for thought. Overall I enjoyed it.

When taken as a whole for its ideas and dissection of the current 2-party system and political process, I think this is a great film. Granted the movie was not the comedy I expected, but once I got over that this film really made me think. So much of what we see and hear in regards to any election is such a joke. There is in particular a debate scene in this movie that I felt was a masterful critique of our political debates and how policies are "discussed" at them. I encourage anyone who thinks our process is fine to go see this film. If you want something to laugh at however, Robin Williams and Christopher Walken are not their usual selves. In this movie they show us that the truth hurts, not that the truth is funny.

Robin Williams plays a comic who runs for president. You think since Williams plays a comedian that this would be a comedy. Well it's not. It seems like it wants to be a comedy/satire in the beginning, but then turns into a semi-thriller, except it's not thrilling. Elanor Green who works for the company that designed the new voting computers discovers there is a glitch in the computer program and that gave Dobbs the votes to win. She tells her bosses and they drug her to make her seem crazy so no one will believe her. She befriends Dobbs and eventually tells him the truth. Along they way, people try to chase her and kill her. But it is painful to watch because it is so out of place since this movie was set up like a satire in the beginning. It's up to him to decide to disclose this info and forfeit the presidency.

Overall, I just didn't care for the plot. This wasn't a good political "thriller" nor was it a satire. The director just couldn't decide what he wanted the film to be.

FINAL VERDICT: Not very interesting. Story goes all over the place.

This movie was advertised as a comedy but was far more serious than the trailers made it out to be. Don't get me wrong, I enjoyed the movie, but was expecting more laughs. Great performances from Robin Williams and Laura Linney. Worth seeing, but don't go expecting to be rolling on the floor. The movie left me wondering what it would be like if Robin Williams character was a real person that was running for president. Would we elect a comedian? I doubt it, unfortunately. That kind of stark honesty is something greatly lacking today. This is a movie that I will be adding to my DVD library as soon as it comes out on DVD. The movie has heart.

Saw this movie at a Saturday matinée with a friend. Theater was about 70% full.

Although there are quite a few funny lines, it is more of a drama/suspense with humor sprinkled on top. Robin Williams gives a decent performance as does Laura Linney. Being a Daily Show fan, Lewis Black is pretty good in this. Christopher Walken gives a good performance also.

The movie starts out slow and remains that way for about the first thirty minutes, then the suspense part kicks in and starts keeping you a little on edge throughout the rest of the movie. Suspense in a supposed comedy movie? I know that I, as well as everybody else in the place, was struggling a bit with this. A character would crack a joke during suspense sequence and you would hear just one or two laughs in the theater.

In all fairness, after the movie was over there was smattering of applause. So, definitely, some people enjoyed this movie.

I gave this movie a four out of ten, because I believe the comedy aspect doesn't work very well in a suspense/drama movie and the actors performances, while not bad, were just decent.

Again, this movie isn't what was advertised.

Robin Williams ... if one ever forgets how great of a comedian he was ... there is so much video evidence of him being just exceptional - one of those cases is right here. He would have made a great late night host for sure - even if he might not have believed so himself. Then again, would we have believed to elect a clown to office? When I saw we I obviously mean the American people in this case, though it can be any other country too.

I'm obviously talking about Trump. No one back then could have imagined something like this happening. Though the character depicted in this movie actually is honest, so don't try to compare them. He has dignity, he has courage, he has a soul! While the voting is going on, you have something happening here that Trump (and his minions, no offense to minions everywhere) claimed happened in the 2020 election ... it is almost eerie. And of course something previous reviewers had no chance of predicting - or seeing as a possibility of being something that could actually happen.

All that aside - the acting is superb here. The pacing may have some issues from time to time, but all the actors involved here (and what a fine bunch we have!) make more than up for it! Yes it also is predictable, but why would you derive yourself of having fun? Just go with the flow ...

Greetings again from the darkness. Barry Levinson was at one time one of the most creative forces in Hollywood. He was a sizzling hot director with gems such as "Diner", "The Natural", "Good Morning Vietnam", "Rain Man", "Avalon" and "Bugsy". The problem is that his work has been mediocre, if not less, since the terrific "Wag the Dog" in 1997. Yes, almost 10 years. Regrettably, Mr. Levinson's ho-hum streak continues with "Man of the Year" which is much more a stand-up act by a comedian than any type of commentary or observation piece on our political system or either major party.

We never doubted Robin Williams' ability to fire off one-liners and jab at people and society. What we doubted, and rightfully so, was his ability to make a point ... any point. The film lacks soul, heart or any real message. It is the perfect politician ... exactly what it pretends to despise.

The supporting cast is lead by Christopher Walken, who has somehow become a walking self-parody of Christopher Walken. We get the feeling he is constantly working on his Walken impersonation. Don't get me wrong, it is a very close impersonation ... but just a bit over the top. Lewis Black, on the other hand, seems to "get" what the film should have been about. He has the most passion and best lines in the film. By the way, who cast a real actress? Laura Linney seems so out of place in this "Bulworth" type skit. Not sure what to make of her role, but because of her effort and sterling history, this should have no impact on her career. I mentioned Christopher Walken, so throw in Jeff Goldblum in a limited role and we get two of the strangest dudes Hollywood has to offer.

A couple of things that are a bit in the Mad Magazine vein ... Williams' presidential adversaries are named Kellogg's and Mills (haha) and the evil CEO of the corrupt voting system company is played by Steven Jobs lookalike, Rick Roberts (another haha). That is the type of cutting edge humor we get for 2 hours. Would much rather watch the real Jon Stewart. One other thing that made me nuts. Linney's entire role revolves around the "glitch" in the voting software. Nice idea, but the execution and presentation are laughable or ridiculous in their simplicity on lack of logic.

Sadly for two talented guys who are both in desperate need of a legitimate film, Levinson and Williams leave us yawning and scratching our head. I felt like Walken and Black's character in the first third of the film as they BEGGED Williams to cut loose and be himself and make a difference. Any of that would have helped!

This is a bad movie that contains a lot of elements for two good movies.

Movie #1: A political comedy about a a talk show host becoming president. "Dave" would be the model for this kind of movie done extremely well.

Movie #2: A thriller about fraud in a new voting system, about corruption and greed. There are dozens of examples - think "All the President's Men".

"Man of the Year" tries to do both of those things, and it ends up being very bad at both. I imagine the scriptwriters of this movie being rather like Chewbacca in "The Empire Strikes Back". They have all of C3PO's pieces, but cannot quite figure out how to assemble them all properly.

Robin Williams is a genius. One of the best comedians in the world. He really shows off in this one, cracking jokes left and right as the talk show comedian Tom Dobbs. From the previous this looked like it would be a side-splitting laugh fest. And it was funny. But there were a lot of serious parts in the movie that I was not expecting. I would describe it as a drama/comedy. But it's still worth the money to see, and I still found it to be almost everything that I expected. Robin Williams is at his best, along with the famous Christopher Walken. They play a very good team in this movie and I was actually shocked to see how well the two were able to work together. I recommend it to anyone who is looking for a light-hearted movie.

See this again, and listen to the one-liners.....all hitting on the garbage we have allowed our government to become. Politicians should be like dirty diapers: changed frequently and for the same reason.

Watch him skewer the politicians who are on the take from oil companies, as is our present Ma governor, but they call it 'campaign funds'. Now see if we can get any support for the solar panels our roofs.

So and so on. This was about the time the electronic voting machines were being queered by complicit voting companies who would come in and 'fix' a machine on the fritz, by inserting a chip that would flip the votes. As a software engineer who analyzed bugs, I would give lectures on how easy it is to queer an election. YOu see it here as well.

Please see this and listen to the lessons told as jokes. And bring back Stephen Colbert and get Jon Stewart to run. or at least to sponsor a candidate. And throw the money out of elections so we can get an honest candidate.

Man of the year is an odd film to describe, let alone review. Is it meant to be a comedy? A thriller? Or even a romance.

Sadly the filmmakers themselves seem to be at a loss as to what the film is and so ultimately it ends up being a weird mish-mash of all three. But oddly it sort of works and I enjoyed the film a lot more than some of Robin Williams' other so called 'hits'.

Robin Williams had a knack for making clunky material and sometimes clunky films work,and he really does well here. It's a role that allows him to show his ability as a stand up comic but also as a serious actor. The romantic scenes with Laura Linney also shouldn't work but somehow they seem real.

Yes, there are dud scenes and too many bits and pieces being thrown at the film to try to make it work, but strip all that away and you end up with a nice performance from all involved - including the much missed Robin Williams.