The Front Runner is a misfire

The Front Runner is not terrible but it is a misfire. Hugh Jackman plays Gary Hart, the Senator whose run for the Presidency was derailed by his affair with Donna Rice. This occurred in 1987. Jackman is a large part of why the film is a misfire. He is either miscast as Hart or the script did not give him good material.

The movie starts off a little slowly. Then the press finds out about Hart’s affair with Donna Rice and Hart tries to continue the campaign but the press becomes focused on the affair and what it might mean about his judgment. He drops out.

Sarah Paxton is fine as Donna Rice. She does not get a lot of screentime though. Vera Farmiga is good as Hart’s wife Lee. Other performances are good. Jackman as the main star gives the worst performance but I am not sure how much the script is to blame for that.

I know some movies only point is to be entertaining but I think this movie wanted to make a point. I don’t think a point was made.

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