W. Stands for "Wipeout"

I saw W. last week. I decided not to write a full review, but here is my version of a mini-sode.

What's happened to Oliver Stone? It seems he's tried so hard to play it safe in this political season that he doesn't just come across as non-partisan. He appears to be euthanized.

Josh Brolin is brilliant as the prez. He gets the mannerisms down without seeming like a caricature. Richard Dreyfuss is also spot-on as Dick Cheney, though at times he seems more like an evil reality show host than a vice president. But I guess Dick Cheney might be really like that. And Thandie Newton is perfect as Condi Rice - perfect for Saturday Night Live, that is. Her impersonation is spot-on, but so self-consciously perfect that it doesn't fit in with the rest of the more subtle performances. If she went on SNL, though, she'd be hailed as the next Tina Fey.

The problem with the movie isn't the performances - it's with its scope and pacing. We follow W. from his frat years at Yale through early in his presidency. But Stone completely bypasses anything of interest, including the 2000 election and 9/11. Instead we're treated to round-table discussions in the Oval Office - probably more tame than they actually were.

The film is also laced with a baseball analogy that would have Ken Burns rolling his eyes. This film could have been biting or satirical. Not so. I'm hoping - really hoping - that we won't be seeing W. Part 2: John McCain anytime soon.