My Fellow Americans (1996): Dir: Peter Segal / Cast: Jack Lemmon, James Garner, Dan Aykroyd, Lauren Bacall, John Heard: Missed opportunity that rehashes road movie clichés. Title regards unity that must be set by two ex-presidents who do not seem to agree on anything. Jack Lemmon and James Garner play two former Presidents who hate each other but are brought together when scandal threatens their lives. What follows are typical clichés where they bicker before a predictable outcome. Director Peter Segal does well but he has made funnier movies such as The Naked Gun 33 1/3: The Final Insult. Here the final insult comes at the hands of the screenwriter whose only aid is the effective leads. The production values are cheap and mainly rely on the two leads to spark any life into it. Lemmon and Garner form a fine chemistry. Lemmon is the money saver while Garner is a ladies man. Together they not only must band together, but they also face the harsh reality of life outside the White House. Dan Aykroyd is flat as the current President and Lauren Bacall as a former First Lady utters a few good one liners but otherwise she is underused. The film contains an inspiring message or reality check regarding society and its condition beyond the campaigns. Unfortunately it is a cliché filled road movie less entertaining than a campaign speech. Score: 4 / 10
Review of My Fellow Americans
