Rating: 
Summary: Excellent Political Drama
Review: I've never been one for political intrigue in cinema; with the exception of "All The President's Men" (which is mentioned ad nauseum in the special features section), they tend to be ham-handed and overlong, but "The Contender" succeeds brilliantly as both entertainment and political foreshadowing.It's helped in no small part by the screenplay, which is lean and mean--then a bit of brilliance on the part of the casting director, who hit all the marks, especially with Jeff Bridges, Sam Elliott, and Joan Allen. Gary Oldman can pretty much do no wrong, and Saul Rubinek and Christian Slater are serviceable. But when you've got an ensemble cast like this, it's then up to the director to botch things up... ...or not. And in this case, it's not an issue. The DVD itself is top-notch, with loads of deleted scenes, a great commentary track, a half-decent documentary, and DTS 5.1 sound capability. Well worth the investment.
Rating: 
Summary: In a word: Wow
Review: This movie is a political intrigue, from the inside. BACKGROUND STORY:
The vice-president is dead and the president must seek a new one. There are many top-notch choices, however he narrows it down to one that others is not sure was his first choice. THE START:
The story starts out, with a twist. A governor is giving an interview during a relaxing afternoon fishing. While he and this interviewer are talking of his service in the armed forces, a young woman's car plunges into this same lake. Not one to stand by the governor risks his life to save this young woman. However, he is unsuccessful, she perishes. With the tide of political opinion being at his all time high, for this attempted rescue this same Governor is summoned to the White house for what he expects are discussions about possibly filling out the second in command slot. Strangely, he is refused this opportunity, because of this attempted rescue. It is portrayed by the president in a negative light. This sets the stage for another candidate. A POTENTIAL FIRST WOMAN VICE-PRESIDENT:
This new candidate, Laine Hansen (Joan Allen) is highly considered, however, it seems the president (Jeff Bridges) once trumped a representative in some political dealings, so Shelly Runyon (Gary Oldman) is determined that the President will not get his first choice at all costs. Laine Hansen is the subject of an intensive search into her past to see if she is fit for duty. Not surprisingly something comes up and it is as lurid as it comes. WHAT DO OUR POLITICAL REPRESENTATIVES OWE US:
The key question here is what is fair game and fair politics. How much of the person's past is fair game for investigating and how much of the person's personal life, can be taken into question to establish their fitness for duty? It seems that not only are their finances and medical records wide open, but also each incident in their distant past as well. The senator objects to this level of scrutiny and will not even discuss issues, she feels are improper to consider. She will neither deny or accept what is leaked to the press about her, to the point she becomes perceived as a liability. IN SUMMARY
Without going further, this movie is excellent in that it shows the political game that gets played every day in our nation's capital. It is who you know, what they owe you and how this can be used. The only thing I find fault with this movie is that there are clear bad guys and good guys, lets face it, most successful politians aren't that squeaky clean. However,what this does show you, is that integrity, is not an easy thing to maintain in the face of a political process that is less than clean.
Rating: 
Summary: Solemn Stupidity
Review: The inferior worldview of the lead character (and the filmmakers) is summed up when she states "I may not go to church, but I worship in the temple that freed the slaves and gave women the right to vote." and that she supports military intervention to end genocide around the world (Not precise quotes, but that is basically what she said.) This is easily the most mindlessly politically correct film I have seen since the disgusting American History X. The statists in this film are all portrayed as gallant and righteous, while the conservatives are bitter and petty. Jeff Bridges' portrayal of the president is one of the most irritating ever put on film. This is due to the fact that he based his character's mannerisms on those of Lyndon Johnson and Bill Clinton, the two most arrogant "men" ever to serve.
Joan Allen's character's backward values being portrayed as moral is just more proof that Hollywood is a hopelessly decadent place. Gary Oldman (a Republican) disassociated himself from the embarrassingly idiotic finished product not just for artistic reasons. Fans of "The American President" and "The West Wing" will love this, because it is just more smug, self-congratulatory political pornography for leftists.
Rating: 
Summary: 50% believeable
Review: A nice fairy tale end. It might be a good idea, spoiled by a typical fairy tale end. Do not lose time watching at it.
Rating:
Summary: Boring and Bad
Review: Wow. Being more right than left, I assumed this film would rankle my feathers a bit. It seemed to be a not-so-well-hidden agenda setter and defense for Hillary Clinton's future Presidential attacks, er attempts. Yet I thoroughly enjoyed The American President, a movie which was also far left in ideology but still saved by its reliance on the plot of a romance, not of a political rally. But this film is but, and only, a defense of Hillary. By making the female lead both the victim of attacks by ugly, evil Republicans and in a sexually compromising--but, unlike Clinton, unquestionably unlawful attacks--- it both defends her husband (whose policies she takes credit for) and paints her private picture of The Vast Right Wing Conspiracy she claims is out to get her. Most of the movie involves verbal molotov cocktails that could be taken from the Hollywood version of what the political parties are all about: Republicans, evil and powerful; democrats, Embattled yet correct on all fronts. The greatest sin in this movie is in its choice of characterization, which betrays its heavy partisan hand. Allen's character is flawless in every way morally, whereas her antagonists are corrupt and disgusting in every way. Its basically a kindergarten way of imbibing court politics into film, and only a 5 year old could be misled with such a bad set-up. The American President had this set-up too, but overcame it, as I said, because it was sappy romance. this is just schlocky politics. I used to be a fan of Allen and Oldman, but this movie made them lose my respect. If they would betray acting for silly political salvos, they must not be as dedicated to their crafts as I once thought. I'm not a Republican, but so ham-handed a production of rants and sanctimonious speeches makes me lean more right, if this is what the left is. I'm beginning to wonder if hollywood is really right, and posing as leftist in order to make us run screaming right into Rush Limbaugh's hands. After all, this piece of fluffernutter isn't doing Democrats any favors.
Rating: 
Summary: Not just for politicians
Review: Even though 'The Contender' can be considered a take-off of the infamous Clinton scandal, there's many things that make it likeable; even for people who don't appreciate politics. Although you probably won't recognize most of the actors, the cast in its entirety is excellent. With Jeff Bridges, Joan Allen and Christian Slater, the movie does offer some familiar faces. But in my opinion, the show is simply stolen by Gary Oldman. This is the first role I've ever seen him in; and it has since spawned my looking into his others. Oldman is portrayed as the bad guy here (which makes him hard to like), but he does an excellent job. There's also a good appearance by Sam Elliott, who co-starred with Bridges in 'The Big Lebowski'. He's a little rough around the edges, but his appearance still compliments the film. And once you get past the extraordinary cast, there is actually a good movie. Joan Allen, the lone female present, has pretty much the starring role. Women in politics is a touchy subject with many people; and this movie can certainly offend either way. Allen (as Senator Laine Hanson) is selected to be the vice president of Bridges' character (known as the infamous "Mr. President"). The fact that she'd be the first woman ever in office turns a lot of heads and explodes into mass hysteria. The film is a very good look at the corrupt side of politics; as Oldman (playing Rep. Shelly Runyon) and co. dig up whatever they can, truthful or not, about Senator Hanson. That's where the title comes in. The Senator is in fact a contender, as she fights off everything they throw at her. The quote that Jeff Bridges uses ('they caught you being a human') sums it up perfectly; as things that seem morally wrong for politicians are acceptable for regular citizens. The movie never really deals with the real aspects of political affairs. It's only personal; which is what makes it watch-able for anyone not privy to political affairs. A hidden treasure within the film is its subtle comedy. Jeff Bridges provides most of the laughs; as he has an ongoing joke to see if his cooks will ever be out of some rare, unheard-of ingredient. I particularly loved the part with the shark-steak sandwich. I won't spoil the rest for you. Also, the part when he cites his bowling average as 150 is great; though much more hilarious if you saw 'The Big Lebowski'. The greatest, and funniest quote of the movie comes from Joan Allen. When compared to Clinton, she says '...[he's] not guilty, but responsible'. That'll obviously bring out a laugh for everyone. The film does have a weird, slow start; but it picks up as it goes on. 'The Contender' is said to be a thriller, though nothing is really that thrilling. It may be hard to enjoy for people who are expecting action or in-depth drama. There is a continuing battle between the sides (good and bad), and nothing really unique takes shape. Until the end. I don't like to spoil movie endings or say too much about a movie; and I won't do that here. I only gave this film 3 stars because it is very hard to "get into" what's happening. But the acting is more than superb; mainly by Joan Allen. I wouldn't say she is perfect, but she's not far from it. The fact that she keeps things very personal makes her hard to figure out; which was intended, I'm sure. Nevertheless, it's an excellent performance. The slow start certainly knocks it down one star, and the "Mr. President" cliché is something we've seen far too many times. The ending makes up for a lot though, and without it I would've gave the film only two stars. But I do highly recommend 'The Contender' to anyone. As I've said, you don't have to be partial to politics in order to enjoy the film. But then again... it certainly doesn't hurt.
Rating:
Summary: This is NOT liberal propaganda
Review: Although many reviewers seem to want to make this the scapegoat of all that is wrong with Hollywood, and an example of the "liberal conspiracy," these people have it all wrong. This movie is not about ideology. It is not about liberals, or conservatives. The main character in this movie happens to be a female liberal democrat, but the movie would have been just as effectve with the protagonist a republican, and Mr. Runyan a democrat. This movie IS about a woman telling the media they have no right to learn about what went on in her private sexual life years ago. Despite what the pundits will try to convince you of, an individual's sexual past has no effect on his or her ability to serve the public. This movie is about someone sticking to their values, "even when it is not convenient to do so." Do not make this movie into a political battle. Enjoy it for it's lessons and it's message, not it's politics.
Rating:
Summary: Pretender Contender
Review: A movie of lofty ideals and passionate performances (especially by Joan Allen), that self-destructs in the last 15 minutes with a perfectly ridiculous ending. "The Contender" has the audacity to compare itself to classic political thrillers such as "All the President's Men" and "The Manchurian Candidate" (see the "Making of . . " featurette on DVD). It's not even in the same voting district. A major disappointment.
Rating:
Summary: "Message" films are done with heavy hands
Review: Wow, is this a message film. The agenda here is blaring: a clear and unsubtle defense of President Clinton and his "private life." It's as if the filmmakers and producers all spent their money to create a controlled, political world which was more to their liking than the messy real one (sort of like the West Wing). In Hollywood Productions, the liberals are straight, true and lovable (not to mention beautiful) and all conservatives are physically unattractive, gnarled of soul, and driven by repression and paranoia. Liberals get the beautiful lighting, good camera angles, and heart-swelling music: conservatives get the dark corners, single-note-drone soundtrack to indicate evil, and the camera either stuck up their noses or centering down on (of course) bulging, nervous eyes. Joan Allen is cast as Joan of Ark. Noble as all hell. All the time. Gary Oldman is cast as Rumplestiltskin, a bitter, twisted Midwesterner (again, of course). In case we don't naturally dislike this character on your own, the filmmakers trot out his wife, who hates him intensely for his hounding of the films' saint, Joan Allen. The plot, simply, is that up-and-comer Allen has her political wagon derailed by allegations that she was part of multi-partnered sex party in college that got filmed. What to do? Her best political counsel decides the best move is to face the thing head on. Come clean, you might say. But Allen, as Joan of Ark, says no. Her answer is to stand in front of the cameras with perfect voice and, as the music swells and the flashes pop, to give one of the most jarringly adolescent speeches in pretend American political history. Miss noble stoops to inform the press that all this is far beneath her dignity. Her private life will remain that, PRIVATE. I mean, really. Do liberal filmmakers forget this very line was attempted by another philander, Gary Hart, and he got pounded into oblivion for his efforts, literally laughed off the political stage? The reason, in the real world, why Bill Clinton didn't take this line is that, well, he is a very smart man that lives in the real world. A poorly done, liberal sounding board at best; a badly written and directed movie at worst. The worst of it was (don't read any further if you haven't seen the film) it turns out it was a case of mistaken identity, a conservative set up, so Joan is pure as the driven snow, AND she refuses to discuss it on principal. In other words, the filmmakers have their cake and eat it, too. The film would have been at least interesting had she really rolled around on that dorm room couch.
Rating:
Summary: Good Show -- Until The Speech At The End
Review: This was a good movie, an interesting character-driven film that seemed much like a real-life drama... until the very end, when a character gave a speech fully larded with a bunch of vomitively unbelievable utopian claptrap.
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