Welcome to Mooseport

Cast:

Gene Hackman as Monroe ‘Eagle’ Cole

Ray Romano as Handy Harrison

Marcia Gay Harden as Grace Sutherland

Maura Tierney as Sally Mannis

Christine Baranski as Charlotte Cole

Fred Savage as Bullard

Rip Torn as Bert Langdon

June Squibb as Irma

Wayne Robson as Morris Gutman

John Rothman as Stu

Karl Pruner as Dyer

David Macniven as Cloud

Paul Bates as Bob

Reagan Pasternak as Mandy

Summary:

A romantic comedy wrapped in a political satire, Welcome to Mooseport has a few laughs and tears, but never is daring or sweet enough to win over a fan of either genre.

Story:

US President Monroe ‘Eagle’ Cole has just completed two terms as the most popular president in our country’s history. However, due to a nasty divorced that has deprived him of his house, he seeks residence at his summer retreat in the town of Mooseport, Maine. Upon his arrival, he learns that the current mayor of Mooseport has passed away and the town seeks Cole to take the newly vacated office. Meanwhile, town good guy and plumber Handy Harrison puts his name in the hat for the office as a favor to a friend. Suddenly, two men who thought they were running unopposed now have to face off for the mayor’s job. Toss in romantic complications between Handy, Cole and town veterinarian Sally and Mooseport is in for quite a media circus.

Welcome to Mooseport is Rated PG for language and mild thematic elements.

What Worked:

There are some funny bits in Mooseport – most notably the scene with the clueless town leaders and Cole’s money-grubbing ex-wife. The relationship between Handy and Sally is also relatable. She has long been ready for a commitment while he has long been waiting for a chance to buy a new truck. The library design joke runs throughout the film and is also worth a chuckle.

What Didn’t Work:

The list is very long. Besides Baranski, there is not one stand out performance here. Romano is playing Ray Barone, without the sarcasm. Hackman, Harden and Torn are sleepwalkers, the latter two with just too little to do and not enough development. The mixed genre really weights the movie down. Just when you think the political satire is going to kick in high gear, the mushy stuff invades it space… and vice versa.

The Bottom Line:

I can’t recommend you see Welcome to Mooseport. There is just not enough meat on the bone either way you cook it.

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