Recount

Based on true events, Recount chronicles the 2000 United States Presidential election and the tabulation problems that almost immediately ensued in Florida – with the picture following several real-life figures, including Kevin Spacey’s Ron Klain, John Hurt’s Warren Christopher, and Laura Dern’s Katherine Harris, as they attempt to resolve the situation. Filmmaker Jay Roach, working from a script by Danny Strong, delivers a matter-of-fact drama that’s rarely as engrossing or captivating as one might’ve anticipated, as the movie suffers from an all-business-all-the-time sensibility that results in an absence of wholeheartedly compelling characters – with the often relentless bent of the just-the-facts narrative paving the way for a midsection rife with unfortunate lulls. It’s worth noting, however, that Recount does contain a handful of admittedly electrifying sequences, including a fantastic scene in which an underling attempts to prevent Al Gore from delivering his concession speech, and there’s little doubt, as well, that Roach has admittedly elicited strong work from his exceedingly eclectic cast. (Spacey’s top-notch work remains a highlight, to be sure, while such periphery players as Ed Begley, Jr, Bruce Altman, and Denis Leary, make the most of their limited screen time.) The final result is an informative, educational endeavor that’s generally akin to reading a Wikipedia synopsis of the momentous event, which is a shame, ultimately, given that the situation seems to promise a far more absorbing piece of work.

**1/2 out of ****

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