Rating: 
Summary: See the film for what it really is!
Review: I don't own the DVD, but the movie was great. People seem to be missing the point, and start to take the film seriously. See it for what it really is: a wonderful comedy/satire that happens to have a political touch.
Rating: 
Summary: Commedable But Too Obvious!
Review: I loved the wry, Republican-bashing in this film, but did it have to spell everything out in caps? We were quite aware of Bob Roberts' packaging concept without it having to be explained to us by various characters, especially so humorlessly. John Cusack's little lecture was especially patronizing.Being spoon-fed a message only diminishes your enjoyment of a film, especially a satire. But I'm opposed to it on more than aesthetic grounds. Mainstream Americans hate liberals because they see us as elitist, condescending, and a little contemptuous of them. Heavy-handed films like this only reinforce that image.
Rating:
Summary: We're all a bunch of suckers.
Review: I once read a review of 1984 by George Orwell that basically said that anyone who sees the book as a diatribe against Communism is intellectually dim. I feel the same way about those who see Bob Roberts as nothing more than a stab at the Right. That's what Tim Robbins intended, for sure, but it's not all that we should take away from it. Look at how the character used catchy songs and the right buzzwords to manipulate his followers and the media. It's what all of our major candidates (Dem. and Rep.) are guilty of. The major theme of this movie is thus: If we want better candidates, we have to pay better attention. The movie definately more than makes the case for that.
Rating:
Summary: truer today than when it first came out
Review: I saw this film when it first came out in '92, and thought it was okay, but rewatching it during the 2004 election season I was appalled by how many of the absurdities depicted had come true, with cynical pandering and manipulation at every turn. The only thing it's missing are voting machines that count backward! The title character, played by Tim Robbins (who also wrote and directed), is a right-wing folk singer pursuing a senate seat, running against an incumbent played by Gore Vidal. The songs and album covers are very funny, and there are many cameo appearances.
DVD extras include three commentary tracks, 22 minutes of deleted scenes, stills, 3 music videos, cast notes, production notes, a trailer and tv spots.
Worthwhile viewing, good extras.
Rating:
Summary: Tim Robbins / Bob Roberts IS THE TRUTH!!!!
Review: If you really want an idea of how ugly right-wing politicians, the media, and their followers can be you OWE it to yourself to watch this, as timely a treatise on evil, corrupt Nazipublicans as you will find. Robbins drives a nail through the skulls of the slick, demonic snakes of the Right. Not only that, but it succeeds as wicked satire. Don't be surprised if you find yourself singing the creatively written songs throughout the film, sickening as they are.
Rating:
Summary: Its been a while since I've seen this but
Review: its well worth watching. Very smart and funny, and dead-on in its examination of politicians and the media. A little heavy-handed but still good.
Rating: 
Summary: Celebs paid to spout views-accidentally entertain
Review: Much to my consternation, many celebrity friends of Tim Robbins (Bob Roberts) and Susan Sarandon (Tawna Titan) were very vocal in their disapproval of the recent Iraqi engagement. They did this for free using their celebrity-access to the press to expound personal views. Ten years ago they were getting paid (I assume) to film this heavy-handed, although thought-provoking to be sure, political message under the guise of satire to attain the same goal. I purchased this film 'used' for one-cent, thereby purposefully not helping their cause. Hey, even the non-famous can make a statement. 'Bob Roberts', presented as a documentary, was their attempt to reveal to an uneducated populous just how easy it is for a corrupt right-wing candidate to mislead the unsuspecting voter by playing on the voter's emotions and by making use of the great 'political machine' and the press. Make no mistake, the group of liberals responsible for this film truly believe the conservative-right is naive and totally not paying attention. Ergo, 'Bob Roberts'. I am guessing they weren't entirely successful, given the limited popularity of the film. However, by sheer accident they succeeded on several unintended levels. The film is entertaining and revealing, as well as frightening. It is possible for a conservative to view the points of the 'other side' without being brainwashed, but without question the public can be mislead by politicians and the government. But be aware and beware, this talent of misdirection is not restricted to conservative politicians. Liberal politicians are masters at manipulation as well. Voters of both parties need to be informed - period. Every young actor in the film, (in addition to Robbins we see; James Spader, Peter Gallagher, Ray Wise, John Cusack, and many, many others, as there are more cameos in this film than you'll find in any jewelry case) presumably appearing to disclose and support their personal political stance by association, resembles a liberal politician in their physical appearance (some young Kennedy to be exact) much more than any conservative. Thereby proving actors are NOT wolves in sheep's clothing, just wolves in wolves' clothing. Fanatics are fanatical regardless of their views. Giancarlo Esposito (Bugs Raplin,) the lone reporter bucking the tide of Roberts' over-blown patriotism, finally relates all his 'facts' in the same maniacal manner as any other whistle-blower. Whether the information one is endeavoring to disseminate is true or false, one is better served to retain some semblance of sanity when to trying to inform. I think they missed their mark a bit here; their personal intent would have been better served if this character had been a little less over-the-top. I happened upon this film in an effort to view the entire work of Alan Rickman. While I was already knowledgeable about the political views of most of the cast, Rickman has done a much better job (to his credit) in keeping his personal political views to himself. In any event, Alan (Lukas Hart III), consummate actor that he is, gives his usual top-notch, right-on-the-nose, flawless performance. Like most of us, he looked hotter than ever 10 years ago (though he is nothing less than gorgeous to behold even now). The voice, the bearing, the talent are all there intact and serving to make him stand out in this cast of ho-hum talent even more than he normally does. The vehicle is just not important when Alan appears on the screen. I could watch Rickman buy groceries and be mesmerized. Search amazon.com for a used copy of this video (I feel safe saying this, because they do not show they are selling new copies) and be entertained while you watch the lengths individuals will go to make a point. While you are about it; count the cameos, make note of who is on what side (if that is important to you), and most of all - behold Alan Rickman, master actor, ply his trade. That last item makes it all worthwhile!
Rating:
Summary: Political satire at its finest
Review: Never has has a politically-oriented film so aptly demonstrated the status of democracy in the United States. Should be required viewing in high school and civics classes.
Rating:
Summary: This movie was profound when it was released
Review: Now it is almost as if this movie was a warning about what our country would look like in 2004. A relevant look at how easily people can be manipulated in the political process and how easily we are divided into us and them.
Bob Roberts, a son of a hippy couple rebels against that world view and uses music as a means of spreading conservative propaganda. Marketing hate and intolerance in the flag, this movie frighteningly shows in fiction what is being done in reality today.
I think Bob Roberts will be a movie that historians will study 200 years ago and see it relevant for discussion of the United States around the turn of the millenium.
Rating:
Summary: This movie is not to be taken seriously!!!
Review: People have written that this film bashes the right and gives praise to the left. If you look beneath the surface you will see that this movie is a humorous political satire that pokes fun at both rightwing conservative republicans and liberal democrats. Also, this film musn't be taken so seriously. Its political undertones are only part of its comic genius.
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