Being the pop culture nerd that I am, I like to find any reason to watch certain movies because they’re tied to current events, they celebrate milestone anniversaries of their theater debut OR because they occasionally are to honor a hashtag holiday. This year, I’ve embraced all these reasons even more since there’s not as much to do so I’ve really risen (or fallen, to-ma-to, toe-ma-to) to new levels of Coach Potato-ism.
The recent election, that seems like a million years ago but was in reality only 2.5 weeks ago, gave me more than an unhealthy obsession with watching CNN and an unnatural tendancy to doomscroll Twitter. It bubbled up a few favorite presidential and patriotic movies I haven’t thought about in awhile. So if you’re looking for something to watch and aren’t ready for your holiday favorites just yet, give these a go. P.S. I’m counting down to January 20 when my president and vice president takes over. Couldn’t be more thrilled for Joe and Kamala. 2021 already feels like it will be better and the bar is super low. Dumpster Fire 2020 has been fan-fucking-tastic.
This gem of a movie just celebrated its 25th anniversary on November 17. AND, I ironically watched it two days before, not even realizing the upcoming milestone. The cast includes some of the best in the biz, with Michael Douglas, Annette Bening and Michael J. Fox, to name a few. Aaron Sorkin wrote it and Rob Reiner directed it, two of my favorites behind the screen too. It’s a feel good movie and always makes me cry but if you talked to my daughter, just about everything I watch these days makes me cry. What can I say – I’m easily moved OR just getting old.
I don’t watch a ton of documentaries but this one I could watch over and over again and will. Former Chief Official White House Photographer Pete Souza documented the photographic journey of both Obama and Reagan’s administrations. His eye for detail in capturing all the things you wouldn’t normally see within their lives was awesome. He always seemed to be in the right place at the right time because he was. The hardest working photographer job maybe ever or at least shortlisted with a few others. His love for these two leaders and their families was immense and felt through his photography. I too went through many tissues watching this one and get weepy thinking about it as I type this. Pete’s Insta account is great too, if you’re not already following him.
Woodward and Bernstein were my journalism heros growing up. They likely had a lot to do with why I wanted to go to journalism school, along with Walter Cronkite. This movie chronicles the Watergate scandal during the Nixon presidency. Robert Redford and Dustin Hoffman play the famous duo working for The Washington Post. It still holds up since debuting in 1976 as one of the best political thrillers, winning four Oscars. I don’t recall it ever making me cry the many times I’ve watched but there’s always next time.
A dramedy I’ve seen more times than I can count. John Travolta stars as a politician running for president only to have some of his scandalous skeletons in the closet make their way to the news outlets, as they always do. The rest of the cast is awesome too including Emma Thompson and Kathy Bates. There are definitely some weepy moments in this one as I recall.
Michael Keaton and Gina Davis play speech writers working for opposing candidates on the campaign trail. It’s so much fun. I love these two in any of their films. They’re always solid actors with comedies being some of their very best work.
I nearly forgot about the amazing Joan Allen and this flick. It’s been a bit since I’ve seen it but man, is it good. She plays a senator in line to be VP but again, some not-so-great information from her past resurfaces, causing her some major drama.
Eddie Murphy plays a conman who masquerades as a Congressman in D.C. Bet that’s never happened in real life. This movie is classic Eddie with lots of laughs and a fun cast.
Need more? Here’s a great list.
From Rushia With Love 