Welcome to Mooseport Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

A former president, bored in retirement, decides to run for mayor of a small town and ends up in a silly love triangle with a hardware store owner and his girlfriend.

🍿 Welcome to Mooseport: Detailed Plot Synopsis

Ex-President Moves to Mooseport

Monroe “Eagle” Cole, a recently retired and incredibly popular U.S. President, relocates to his vacation home in the small town of Mooseport, Maine, following a divorce. He plans to enjoy retirement with book deals, speaking engagements, and the construction of his presidential library. The town welcomes him with open arms, seeing his presence as a boon for their community.

A Mayoral Race Begins

When the current mayor of Mooseport passes away, the town council implores Cole to run for the position. He initially agrees, seeing it as a way to enhance his image and secure his Maine residence amidst the divorce settlement. However, local hardware store owner and plumber, Handy Harrison, has also entered the race, leading to an unexpected political competition.

The Competition Heats Up

What begins as a friendly rivalry escalates when Cole unknowingly asks Handy’s girlfriend, Sally Mannis, out on a date. This fuels Handy’s determination to win the election. Cole, used to political maneuvering, brings in a seasoned campaign manager and employs underhanded tactics to secure victory, while Handy relies on his local popularity and genuine connection with the townspeople.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• Monroe Cole (Gene Hackman): A recently divorced and retired U.S. President who decides to run for mayor in a small town.
• Handy Harrison (Ray Romano): A local hardware store owner and plumber who becomes Monroe’s unlikely opponent in the mayoral race.
• Sally Mannis (Maura Tierney): Handy’s girlfriend and a local veterinarian who finds herself caught between Handy and Monroe.
• Grace Sutherland (Marcia Gay Harden): Monroe’s devoted assistant, who secretly harbors feelings for him and manages his career.
• Charlotte Cole (Christine Baranski): Monroe’s sharp-tongued ex-wife who reappears to complicate his life in Mooseport.
• Bert Langdon (Rip Torn): A seasoned campaign manager hired to get Monroe Cole elected as mayor.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• Grace Sutherland: “That was no handshake, you son of a bitch.” – Grace says this after kissing Monroe, expressing her attraction and frustration.

💰Box Office

• Budget: $30,000,000
• Domestic Gross: $14,470,947
• Worldwide Gross: $14,615,099

💥 Welcome to Mooseport Reviews

Personal Review

I went into ‘Welcome to Mooseport’ expecting a lighthearted comedy, and it was okay. Gene Hackman was great. Some scenes, like the golf game and the town hall debate, were actually funny. Ray Romano didn’t quite work for me in this role; I was hoping for something more memorable. It’s an easy watch if you just want something simple, but don’t expect anything groundbreaking.

• Who would enjoy:
  • “Fans of lighthearted comedies”
  • “Viewers who enjoy small-town stories”
  • “Those looking for a Gene Hackman or Ray Romano movie”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “Mild innuendo”
  • “Some suggestive dialogue”

Professional Reviews

• Variety: “Welcome to Mooseport is a well-cast but ultimately bland comedy that fails to capitalize on its intriguing premise. Hackman delivers a solid performance, but Romano’s character feels like a watered-down version of his TV persona. The political satire is surface-level, and the romantic subplot lacks spark, resulting in a forgettable film.
• New York Times: “The film offers a few chuckles, mostly thanks to Hackman’s portrayal of a self-absorbed former president. However, the overall narrative is predictable, and the humor is often too broad. Romano struggles to make his character compelling. The movie never finds its footing, resulting in a disappointing experience.

Audience Reactions

Gene Hackman’s performance was a standout.: Many viewers appreciated Gene Hackman’s portrayal of the former president, finding his comedic timing and charisma to be the highlight of the film.

The small-town setting and quirky characters were charming.: Viewers enjoyed the portrayal of small-town life and the quirky characters, which added a touch of warmth and humor to the film.

Overall Consensus: Welcome to Mooseport is a mildly amusing comedy with a solid performance by Gene Hackman, but it ultimately falls short due to a predictable plot and uninspired humor. It’s an okay watch if you’re looking for something light, but it’s not particularly memorable.

Awards

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “This was Gene Hackman’s final film role before his retirement from acting.”
• “The initial concept was inspired by the idea of former President Bill Clinton running for another office after leaving the presidency.”
• “Original director Rod Lurie left the project and was replaced by Donald Petrie.”
• “Filming primarily took place in Port Perry, Ontario, Canada to create the feel of a small town in Maine.”

🖥️ How to Watch Welcome to Mooseport?

Welcome to Mooseport is available for streaming rental or purchase on various platforms like Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play Movies, and Vudu. Check your local listings for availability as it may vary by region. Subscription services do not currently offer the movie as part of their standard packages.

🎥 Similar Movies

If you enjoyed Welcome to Mooseport, you might like these similar films:

• My Fellow Americans (1996): Features two former presidents, one Democrat and one Republican, who must work together to clear their names.
• Dave (1993): A kind-hearted man with a striking resemblance to the President is asked to impersonate him.

🛒 Welcome to Mooseport Related Products

• Everybody Loves Raymond: The Complete Series: Enjoy the humor and charm of Ray Romano in his hit TV series. This digital collection features all nine seasons of the show, full of family antics and relatable comedy.
• Political Humor: From Aristophanes to Jon Stewart: Explore the history and impact of political humor with this book. Featuring essays and analyses of comedy from ancient times to modern satire, this book provides a deep dive into the world of political commentary.
• Gene Hackman: A Life in Film: Celebrate the career of legendary actor Gene Hackman with this biography. This collector’s item provides insights into Hackman’s life and work, featuring rare photos and interviews.
• Moose Crossing Sign – Funny Novelty Sign: Add a touch of Mooseport whimsy to your home with a Moose Crossing novelty sign. This fun sign is perfect for fans of the movie and anyone who appreciates a good laugh.

🎧 Soundtrack

Welcome to Mooseport features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:

• “Small Town” – performed by John Mellencamp

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

🤨 FAQ

🔥 Bonus Content

Ray Romano on Working with Gene Hackman | Conversations at the SAG-AFTRA Foundation

Ever wondered what it’s like to work with a legend like Gene Hackman? Ray Romano spills the beans about his time on set with him during ‘Welcome to Mooseport’! It’s really fascinating to hear how even seasoned actors get starstruck.

✨ Rate