How is it possible to make such a mess with such an A-grade cast? The movie lacks a main storyline. It starts many plot lines and doesn’t really use or finish any of them. Furthermore, as much as I like Emma Mackey, she plays a US Governor who behaves like a naive schoolgirl that has just discovered that she cannot be head cheerleader. In addition, the movie is tagged as a comedy, but besides a handful of funny lines, there is nothing funny about it. I clearly blame the director for this disaster and I am very disappointed that the potential of this movie has not nearly been met. A shame!

I don’t think the current film landscape is able to digest this movie. I saw critics ripping it apart. Two common complaints where the previews “said nothing about the movie” and “movie wasn’t funny”. It definitely is a film that is less about the story and more about the characters. Very original characters. Some I loved. Some I hated. I also read that the performances were trash, and they really aren’t not bad whatsoever. Brooks having written so much for the Simpsons does peak through occasionally. Ella is very Lisa Simpson coded. The way she puts people to literal sleep by just trying to do her best. Pure Lisa.

This movie just came across as being so lazy. The writing was bad. It felt like a movie that could've come out 20 years ago. It's sad when good directors like James L. Brooks are past their prime. This guy created some of my favorite movies: Terms of Endearment, Broadcast News, and As Good As It Gets, but it feels like he just doesn't have that magic touch anymore. However, I did like how they slapped a horrible wig on Jack Lowden, and he suddenly became a teenager. Now, that was funny.

I wish I'd like this movie more because I want Hollywood to make more movies like this (political drama). But for some reason this just didn't connect with me - I mean the husband was definitely a red flag to begin with. I think Emma MacKey is great but I wish she had better material to work with - a big disappointment.