Binge Watch: Presidents

We’ve made it to President’s Day Weekend. While there will be plenty of time to catch some Olympic action this weekend, it’s also a time to kick back, relax and enjoy and extra day off. There’s a couple interesting theatrical releases, but for those that want to celebrate the day by putting the focus back on Presidents, this week’s Binge Watch is for you. I’m looking at a few films over the years that put the focus on U.S. Presidents. So, if you’re feeling Presidential, you can find your jam on the list below.

Amistad (1997)
About: So, this one doesn’t focus on a sitting U.S. President, but it does feature John Quincy Adams, as played by Anthony Hopkins. This is based on a true story and comes from director Steven Spielberg. When I was younger, my family used to go to the movies on Christmas Day. It was one of our fun traditions, and I remember the year we went and saw Amistad. I enjoyed it then and have seen it a number of times since.

John Adams (2008)
About: This mini-series came from HBO and really centered on the founding and first few years of the United States, mostly seen through the eyes of John Adams. Paul Giamatti played Adams, while Laura Linney played his wife, Abigail. We also got George Washington (David Morse) and Thomas Jefferson (Stephen Dillane), so a trifecta of presidents. It’s a pretty fun and entertaining ride through history.

W. (2008)/Vice (2018)
About: George W. Bush inspired not one but two feature films. The first sees Josh Brolin playing him in a film by Oliver Stone that was released as his Presidency was winding down. The second focuses mostly on Dick Cheney (Christian Bale), but sees Sam Rockwell play the President in a film by Adam McKay. So, if you want to re-live the Bush years, you have some options.

Frost/Nixon (2008)
About: It seems 2008 was a big year for controversial Presidents in film. This one focuses on Richard Nixon (Frank Langella) and his interviews with journalist David Frost (Michael Sheen). This one comes from director Ron Howard and was a Best Picture nominee the year it was released. I enjoyed the performances and the overall film. It’s one that’s worth checking out.

Lincoln (2012)
About: Spielberg makes his second appearance on this list, this time focusing on Abraham Lincoln. This was a Best Picture nominee the year it was released and features a great performance from Daniel Day Lewis. I feel like this has become under-rated in the decade since its release.

Matthew Fox is a graduate of the Radio, Television and Film program at Biola University, and a giant nerd. He spends his free time watching movies, TV, and obsessing about football. He is a member of the FSWA. You can find him @knighthawk7734 on Twitter and as co-host of the Fantasy Football Roundtable Podcast.