I was not even born when the Watergate Scandal occurred, so I can't directly relate to the political satire conveyed in the film. Many who were around claim the satire is dead-on and hilarious, though it seemed a little too low-brow and exaggerated at times. Again, I wasn't around during that time period. Kirsten Dunst and Michelle Williams play dumb blondes, a stereotype that has been done to death in cinema. I have to admit, I'm a bit tired of it and think the joke has run dry, but that didn't exactly ruin the film, in my mind. Also, I felt Saul Rubinek's Russian accent was very unconvincing and drifted heavily.
On a positive note, I did laugh. This film worked for me, for some reason. I guess it's because the gags, though some fell flat, were never over the top. I thought the bit about the marijuana in the cookies was quite funny. "Dick" is not laugh-out-loud hilarious, but it delivers.
I can't say I had an immense knowledge of the Watergate incident after watching this movie, but I don't think it was meant to be a biting satire. It seemed to be more of an SNL sketch version of the scandal. That explains appearances by SNL regulars/alumni, including Will Ferrell and Jim Breuer. And the seventies atmosphere was emphasized--often too much. At times the characters seemed more like they were going to a seventies theme party than they were actually in the seventies.
"Dick" is not a great movie, but it makes good entertainment.
My score: 7 (out of 10)
On a positive note, I did laugh. This film worked for me, for some reason. I guess it's because the gags, though some fell flat, were never over the top. I thought the bit about the marijuana in the cookies was quite funny. "Dick" is not laugh-out-loud hilarious, but it delivers.
I can't say I had an immense knowledge of the Watergate incident after watching this movie, but I don't think it was meant to be a biting satire. It seemed to be more of an SNL sketch version of the scandal. That explains appearances by SNL regulars/alumni, including Will Ferrell and Jim Breuer. And the seventies atmosphere was emphasized--often too much. At times the characters seemed more like they were going to a seventies theme party than they were actually in the seventies.
"Dick" is not a great movie, but it makes good entertainment.
My score: 7 (out of 10)