My Fellow Americans *** (1996, Jack Lemmon, James Garner, Dan Aykroyd, Lauren Bacall, Wilford Brimley, Sela Ward, John Heard) – Classic Movie Review 6541

Jack Lemmon and James Garner star as rival former US Presidents, who join up to expose the corrupt present President William Haney (Dan Aykroyd) after they become targets of a conspirator in his government. The duo set out across the Southern Appalachians to find evidence to clear them.

Director Peter Segal’s enterprising, ingenious and entertaining adventure comedy finds good roles for its ageing stars, who naturally respond energetically and charismatically. Lemmon and Garner are funny, and Aykroyd is the stalwart villain of the piece.

Also in the cast are Lauren Bacall, Wilford Brimley, Sela Ward, Everett McGill, Bradley Whitford, James Rebhorn, Esther Rolle, Conchata Ferrell, Jack Kehler and Connie Ray, all of them largely wasted in small roles, but John Heard has a good time as the dim-witted Vice President.

It is written by E Jack Kaplan and Richard Chapman (screenplay and story) and Peter Tolan (screenplay).

© Derek Winnert 2018 Classic Movie Review 6541

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