Wag the Dog

Barry Levinson directs Dustin Hoffman and Robert De Niro in this biting satire of politics and manufactured perceptions. Hilary Hinkin and David Mamet do an amazing job of adapting Larry Beinhart's novel "American Hero" for the silver screen. A simple story has the acting president involved in a sex scandal weeks before an upcoming election. Enter De Niro who enlists Hoffman (who got an Oscar nod for his work here) to help him create a war do distract the American public's attention. A very funny number with fine acting from Anne Heche (yes...that Anne Heche who actually doesn't suck here!), Dennis Leary, William H. Macy, Kirsten Dunst, and Woody Harrelson who almost steals the show. Even Andrea Martin and Willie Nelson show up to lend their talents but one of the best dry laughs comes from James Belushi. A relevant piece of work even today...just be careful not to look to hard or you may find it's not a comedy at all!