 | |
List Price: $9.98 | | Label: Warner Home Video
Salesrank: 2967
Released: June 17, 1997 |
| Our Price: $3.79 |
| Used Price: $1.39 |
|
MPAA Rating: PG-13 (Parental Guidance Suggested)
Media: DVD |
|
Editorial Review:
Call this "The Odd Couple Goes to the White House." Jack Lemmon and James Garner play ex-presidents in this lousy comedy, each of them having served only one term as chief executive and each the other's lifelong enemy. The best jokes in the film are front-loaded into the first five minutes. We meet both men living life after the White House, one (Lemmon) making speeches for whoever will front his large fee, while the other (Garner) writes relevant books no one reads. Any time they show up at the same function, they insult each other like snarling schoolboys. It is pretty funny, but after a brief introduction My Fellow Americans goes downhill rapidly, becoming yet another stupid road movie traveled by characters who hate each other. (How many of these is Lemmon going to make?) The jokes get dumber and cruder, the actors embarrass themselves, and the whole enterprise becomes tedious. The DVD release contains production notes, theatrical trailer, bloopers, optional Spanish and French soundtracks, optional full-screen and widescreen presentations, and Dolby audio. --Tom Keogh
My Fellow Americans Reviews:
A jolly read ... 
2008-09-23 - The 2 main protagonists make it look so easy - a joy to watch: not great art or even a very good story but a perfect uncomplicated way to enjoy a Saturday evening at home.
The proof that good acting plus an adequate story beatsmindless action every time.
Great Fun...
2008-08-20 - Respectfully, Tom Keogh has his opinion/review - I simply don't believe he knows what he's talking about here. Lemmon and Garner do a great job - solid supporting cast. I'm happy to find and buy this; too much garbage is ready to be sold once it's box office run is completed. This movie is memorable and enjoyable.
Nice Afternoon Movie
2008-08-16 - I saw this film when it was in the movie theaters in 1996 and several times on televison and I must say it ages very well. At first blush, it is an odd couple road picture, but the more you watch it through the years, the more fond I become of it. Garner and Lemmon's performance have an energizing gusto that younger performers can't match. Further, the film evolves into a clear a parody-farce, rather than an odd couple road picture. From its commentary on the homeless, gay rights and the evil in the NSA when ordered to abuse power, the film recalls a time before President George W. Bush, 9/11. The film in today's historical context, holds a surprising critical eye to what may go down as the worst and most damaging United States Presidency in US history. My Fellow Americans captures two former U.S. presidents who would never have considered what President George W. Bush has done -- unfettered use of wiretapping Americans, twist of evidence to falsely convince the nation into war with Iraq (see books on Amazon.com written from an insider's view of the Bush White House) which caused the shifting of U.S. forces in Afghanistan, causing the failure to wipe out Osama Bin Ladin's Taliban headquarters there, causing the rise of a stronger Iran, due to the weakening of its neighbor Iraq, creating a porous boundary so Iran can foment civil unrest in Iraq with arms shipments, the coddling of Russia that has allowed Putin to invade the former Soviet republic of Georgia and force a treaty that allows Russian troops in Georgia, and the complete and utter failure in managing the U.S. economy and health care costs. The fantasy world of My Fellow Americans reminds us that there used to be a world without the leadership of George W. Bush. So jump down the rabbit hole and spend time with My Fellow Americans to stop thinking about the real world around us.
"Russell, when you dance with a panda, who leads?" 
2008-04-02 - This was one of the funniest movies ever. Lots of laughs! Jack Lemmon and James Garner were terrific playing ex-presidents who once let the nation and have become "civilians." One is a womanizer (hmmmm who does this remind you of????), and the other, a known cheapskate where his one line is," Dreams are like children, they need to be nutured and be allowed to grow."
The ex-presidents are (first Lemmons character and then Garner who is guilty bu association by the NSA) framed in a scandal that was actually commited by the president who is in office, President Kramer (Dan Aykroyd). What you notice most of all is President Kramer's vice president played by John Heard. You can pretty much sense his worth when President Kramer says," lets hope Vice President Mathews knows it's the Netherlands, not the nether-region." Everett McGill (who starred in The People Under the Stairs and Under Siege 2) who excells as a bad guy, plays NSA agent Tanner who will stop at nothing to silence Presidents Kramer (Lemmon) and Douglas (Garner). After an unsuccessful attempt to silence them permanently, he stops at nothing to get it done. In the meantime, the ex-presidents go on a madcap adventure to clear their names. Whether they hitch a ride with illegals or coming out of the closet with Dorothy. All this leads up to is a hillarious comedy starring 2 legends along with a teriffic supporting cast.
The DVD is a basic edition with no extras. If you love comedies you will laugh hysterically. In your DVD library it will make your other DVD's laugh nonstop. April Fools!!!!! But it is funny and a great addition to your collection.
HARD TO FIND DVD
2008-03-28 - I ordered this movie since it is one that is not known that well and it is one of the older ones out there. I found it here for a phenominal price and got it promptly. It was new and was cheaper than most you can find used. Excellent service.
