Blue State

Reviewer: James van Maanen
Rating (out of 5): ***½

As a writer/director, Marshall Lewy had made only three short films before his full-length debut with the remarkable Blue State, about as timely and daring a movie as you are likely to see. It's not perfect, and it probably bites off more than it can properly chew, let alone digest. Yet, after all the documentaries we've viewed over the past eight years, during which has occurred the steepest, most noticeable--from without and within--decline in the reputation of the good ol' USA, someone has at last had the balls to make a narrative feature about this. It almost seems beside the point that Lewy has turned out a good movie--funny, decent, political, romantic, humane. The fact that he's managed to address pointedly and honestly what so many of us felt after the 2004 election is wonderful. But there's more to it than that.

If you are one of those who didn't feel that the current administration, instead of being re-elected ought to have been shot, you may still find yourself watching, listening closely and agreeing with much that goes on here. Lewy's screenplay is constructed cleverly but plays fair; it is performed very well indeed by Breckin Meyer, a young actor who is usually good but has often ended up in less than stellar films (Tail Lights Fade, Road Trip, Caffeine). The political activist he plays here is a wonderful role for him, and he is matched nicely by Anna Paquin, who also usually comes through well no matter what she's in. The supporting cast, made up of a number of good people I have not heretofore noticed, helps create the necessary ambience for each keen (and often very funny) scene.

Canada comes in for a surprising number of licks, and since this is a country I greatly admire, while I admit to having been taken aback, I also found the walloping salutary for us liberals--if perhaps a tad unfair to Canadians. As usual, I am not giving away much plot because viewers deserve the surprises and fun they should find for themselves along the way. I'd call the movie a "must" for those who cherish the old chestnut "My country, right or wrong," as well as for those who know the remainder of that sentence: "if right, to be kept right; and if wrong, to be set right." The oft-used remark (unfortunately, it's the first half that's babbled most frequently) belongs to U.S. Senator Carl Shurz (1829-1906). Meanwhile, Blue State will charm and, ultimately, edify you.