Man of the Year Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

A comedian accidentally becomes president because a computer is bad at alphabetizing, then has to decide if he should keep the job or do the right thing, which is less funny than it sounds.

🍿 Man of the Year: Detailed Plot Synopsis

A Comedian Runs for President

Tom Dobbs (Robin Williams), a popular and outspoken comedian hosting a political satire show, jokingly considers running for President after a suggestion from his audience. To everyone’s surprise, including his own, he gains significant traction and decides to actually run as an independent candidate. His campaign resonates with a public tired of traditional politics, and he manages to get on the ballot in several states.

The Corrupted Voting System

Meanwhile, Eleanor Green (Laura Linney), a programmer at Delacroy, the company responsible for the new electronic voting system being used nationwide, discovers a critical glitch in the software. This glitch could potentially skew election results. When she tries to alert her superiors, she’s ignored and then discredited in an attempt to silence her. Her initial attempts to share the truth go unnoticed.

An Unexpected Victory

On election night, despite low polling numbers, Dobbs surprisingly wins the presidency. The victory is met with both celebration and confusion. Eleanor, convinced that the glitch in the voting system is responsible for Dobbs’ win, is determined to expose the truth, even as powerful forces within Delacroy attempt to stop her.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• Tom Dobbs (Robin Williams): A comedian and political satirist who unexpectedly wins the presidential election due to a computer glitch.
• Eleanor Green (Laura Linney): A software programmer who discovers the voting machine glitch that led to Dobbs’s accidental election victory.
• Jack Menken (Christopher Walken): Tom Dobbs’s loyal and supportive manager who navigates the chaos of the presidential campaign.
• Eddie Langston (Lewis Black): Tom Dobbs’s longtime writer and friend who adds a cynical and comedic perspective to the political satire.
• Stewart (Jeff Goldblum): The legal head of Delacroy who prioritizes protecting the company’s interests over revealing the truth about the voting glitch.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• Tom Dobbs: “Politicians are a lot like diapers. They should be changed frequently and for the same reason.” – Tom Dobbs’s closing line in his show, capturing his cynical view of politicians.
• Tom Dobbs: “If you can’t make them see the light, make them feel the heat.” – Dobbs’s approach to political commentary, emphasizing passion and directness.
• Jack Menken: “He’s just saying what everyone else is thinking.” – Jack’s explanation of Tom’s appeal as a candidate, reflecting public frustration.

💰Box Office

• Budget: $20,000,000
• Domestic Gross: $37,327,390
• Worldwide Gross: $42,472,472

💥 Man of the Year Reviews

Personal Review

I remember watching this when it first came out and being so intrigued by the premise. Robin Williams as a comedian running for president? Brilliant! The movie definitely surprised me because it wasn’t just a straight-up comedy. It had some serious moments and a bit of suspense. I loved the debate scene; it felt so real and raw. I also appreciated how the film tackled the issue of electronic voting. It made me think about the power of corporations and the importance of integrity in politics. Overall, I found it to be a very watchable and thought-provoking film.

• Who would enjoy:
  • “Fans of Robin Williams”
  • “Viewers interested in political satire”
  • “People who enjoy films that blend comedy and drama”
  • “Those concerned about election integrity”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “Political themes”
  • “Mild language”
  • “Some drug content”
  • “Threatening situations/violence”

Professional Reviews

• Rolling Stone: “While the film bites off more than it can chew, Robin Williams delivers a consistently funny and thought-provoking performance. The supporting cast shines, making even the far-fetched plot elements somewhat believable. It’s a comedy with a conscience, and while it stumbles, its heart is in the right place.
• The New York Times: “Man of the Year struggles to balance its comedic and thriller aspects. Williams is engaging, but the film’s political commentary feels underdeveloped. The movie is thought-provoking but ultimately falls short of its potential.
• Variety: “Barry Levinson’s ‘Man of the Year’ presents a timely but flawed political satire. The film suffers from a disjointed narrative and uneven tone, but Williams’ charisma keeps it afloat. The plot holes and a lack of clear direction hinder its overall impact.

Audience Reactions

Robin Williams’ energetic performance and witty political commentary captivated viewers.: Many viewers appreciated the film’s blend of comedy and political commentary, finding it both entertaining and thought-provoking.

Christopher Walken’s quirky and humorous portrayal of Jack Menken was a highlight for many.: The strong supporting cast, including Christopher Walken, Laura Linney, and Lewis Black, was widely praised for their performances.

Overall Consensus: Man of the Year is a film with a compelling premise and strong performances, but it struggles to balance its comedic and dramatic elements, resulting in a mixed reception. Many found it thought-provoking and entertaining, while others criticized its uneven tone and flawed plot.

Awards

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “Barry Levinson, known for films like ‘Wag the Dog’ which also satirizes politics, directed and co-wrote ‘Man of the Year’.”
• “The film’s premise of a comedian running for president was conceived before several real-world instances of celebrities entering politics.”
• “Several real news personalities such as Tina Fey, Amy Poehler, Chris Matthews, James Carville, and Catherine Crier make cameo appearances, adding to the film’s satirical realism.”
• “Christopher Walken’s character mentions working with elephants in a circus, which is a nod to Walken’s real-life experience as a lion tamer in a traveling circus when he was 16.”

🖥️ How to Watch Man of the Year?

You can stream “Man of the Year” on platforms like Apple TV, and rent or purchase it on Amazon Prime Video. Check your local listings for cable availability.

🎥 Similar Movies

If you enjoyed Man of the Year, you might like these similar films:

• Wag the Dog (1997): A sharp political satire directed by Barry Levinson that explores how media and public perception can be manipulated to influence political outcomes.
• Dave (1993): Another comedy about an ordinary man who unexpectedly becomes involved in the presidency, dealing with similar themes of political integrity and public service.
• The Distinguished Gentleman (1992): A comedy where a con man gets elected to Congress, uses his position for personal gain, but eventually experiences a change of heart and tries to do what’s right.
• Bulworth (1998): A disillusioned senator has a public breakdown and begins speaking his mind, offering a raw and unfiltered view of politics similar to Dobbs’s approach.

🛒 Man of the Year Related Products

• Man of the Year [Blu-ray]: Own a high-definition copy of the movie, perfect for fans of Robin Williams and political satires. A great addition to any movie collection.
• The Daily Show: An Oral History as Told by Jon Stewart, Correspondents, Staff and Guests: Delve into the history of The Daily Show, a key inspiration for the film’s political satire. Get behind-the-scenes insights and anecdotes from Jon Stewart and the team.
• Robin Williams: Come Inside: Experience a stand-up show showcasing the genius of Robin Williams’ comedy
• Wag the Dog [Blu-Ray]: A comedy where a spin-doctor and a Hollywood producer join efforts to fabricate a war in order to distract the public from a Presidential sex scandal

🎧 Soundtrack

Man of the Year features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:

• “Political World” – performed by Bob Dylan

You can find the complete soundtrack on Amazon Music and Apple Music.

🤨 FAQ

🔥 Bonus Content

ScHoolboy Q – Man Of THe Year

Love the movie? This song was huge back then and perfectly captures the vibe. Give it a listen and get ready for some serious nostalgia!

21 Savage Stole My Lyric! 😳😱

This video is a great, short one that is sure to get you laughing.

THIS MAN IS STUCK IN THE YEAR 2027!! #Shorts

This video shows how scary it could be to live in the year 2027.

✨ Rate