Interesting in its premise, Conventioneers quickly devolves into by-the-numbers characterization and shallow politics. The main story, concerning a Republican delegate (male) and a liberal activist (female) is set against the actual spectacle of the 2004 RNC in New York. The idea of staging fictions against real events is full of potential, though in this case it fails - mostly because the characters are simply uninteresting and can't sustain the story for 100 minutes. I'm told that the scenes were mostly improvised, and it shows. Their identities are hewn from 'left' and 'right' stereotypes, and leave no room for ambiguity. After the Republican and Democrat hook up about 40 minutes into the film, there's nothing left but for all of the characters to follow the forced march of the plot.
Visually the film has nothing to offer but talking heads; I often closed my eyes and listened to the movie and didn't miss a thing. The contrived and/or cringe-worthy moments come with increasing frequency as the movie progresses. Most galling was a musical montage in the middle of the movie - including a catchy beat, hotel room sex romps and a Ground Zero visit - yecch.
It's one thing to oppose GW and the neocons; but mantras spouted by the 'left' characters in this picture are every bit as dogmatic and closed-minded as the conservatives. It's an earnest but immature work.