The Last Debate

Watch The Last Debate

"To save America's future, they had to destroy a candidate's past."
  • R
  • 2000
  • 5.9  (237)

The Last Debate is a political drama movie from the year 2000 featuring James Garner, Peter Gallagher, and Audra McDonald. The movie revolves around a fictional debate between two presidential candidates. Senator Matthew Andrews (played by James Garner) represents the Democratic Party, whereas Governor Christopher Madigan (played by Peter Gallagher) represents the Republican Party. The debate takes place just a few days before the election, so the stakes are high for both candidates.

The movie starts by introducing the background and qualifications of both the candidates. Senator Andrews is an experienced politician who has worked for a long time in the Senate. On the other hand, Governor Madigan is relatively new to politics but has a strong following among young voters. The film shows how the two candidates prepare for the debate and what strategies they employ to win the debate.

As the debate progresses, it becomes apparent that the candidates have very different opinions on important topics. For example, Madigan proposes a plan to cut taxes, while Andrews argues that such a plan would lead to a reduction in government revenue and essential services. The two candidates also have different opinions on abortion, gun control, and foreign policy. The audience can see how the debate affects the poll numbers and the public perception of the candidates.

What makes The Last Debate stand out is the quality of the acting by James Garner and Peter Gallagher. Both actors bring their A-game to the movie and deliver powerful performances. Garner's portrayal of Senator Andrews is particularly impressive. He brings a sense of gravitas and wisdom to the role, making the character feel like a seasoned politician who has seen it all. Gallagher's performance as Governor Madigan is equally impressive. He portrays Madigan as a confident and charismatic leader who is able to connect with the audience.

Another standout feature of The Last Debate is the sharp and witty dialogue. The script, written by John Miglis and directed by John Badham, is full of clever one-liners and insightful observations on politics. The dialogue feels authentic and never feels like it's trying too hard to be clever or funny. Instead, it adds to the overall realism of the movie.

The Last Debate is not just a movie about politics, though. It's also a movie about the media and how they shape public opinion. Throughout the movie, we see how the media's coverage of the debate affects the candidates' poll numbers. We see how the media can spin a story to make one candidate look better than the other. The movie encourages the audience to think critically about the information they receive from the media and to question the motives of those who deliver the news.

In conclusion, The Last Debate is a compelling political drama that is well worth watching. The movie features strong performances from James Garner and Peter Gallagher and an excellent script filled with sharp dialogue. The movie encourages the audience to think critically about politics and the media, making it relevant even today. Whether you're a political junkie or just enjoy a good drama, The Last Debate is a movie you shouldn't miss.

The Last Debate doesn't appear to be available from any streaming services.
Add this movie to your Watchlist to get notified when it's available.
Description
  • Release Date
    2000
  • MPAA Rating
    R
  • Language
    English
  • IMDB Rating
    5.9  (237)
Watch all of
Do you have Hulu?
Ad Info - This movie may not be available on Hulu
No thanks, I'm not interested in Hulu