Rob Reiner directs this slightly dark political biopic. Quickly taking the reigns of the nation in the wake of President John Kennedy's assassination, Texan Lyndon Baines Johnson assumes the leadership of the U.S. during an engrossing problematic time. Woody Harrelson is outstanding in the earthy and tacky portrayal of the Southern Conservative Democrat forced to deal with the Vietnam War (hardly mentioned) that politically brought him down. Keeping his hatred of Bobby Kennedy to simmer, LBJ does get the 1964 civil rights law passed, plus Medicare and Medicaid. . . while bombs keep falling in Southeastern Asia.
Reiner's LBJ may not sit well with political history buffs, but is a film well worth watching. It is a gripping look at a sometimes disappointing and often vulgar presidency. Scenery is outstanding and with some exceptional good acting from Jennifer Jason Leigh as Lady Bird Johnson, Michael Stahl-David as Bobby Kennedy and Jeffrey Donovan as JFK. Of course, Harrelson is in command all the way. Also featured in the cast: Richard Jenkins, Bill Pullman, C. Thomas Howell, Kim Allen and Michael Mosley.
Reiner's LBJ may not sit well with political history buffs, but is a film well worth watching. It is a gripping look at a sometimes disappointing and often vulgar presidency. Scenery is outstanding and with some exceptional good acting from Jennifer Jason Leigh as Lady Bird Johnson, Michael Stahl-David as Bobby Kennedy and Jeffrey Donovan as JFK. Of course, Harrelson is in command all the way. Also featured in the cast: Richard Jenkins, Bill Pullman, C. Thomas Howell, Kim Allen and Michael Mosley.