After his re-election, US President Staton (Quaid) decides to read the newspaper for the first time in four years. He then continues to read obsessively and reclusively until his Chief of Staff (Dafoe) pushes him back into the spotlight, booking him as a guest judge on the wildly popular talent quest American Dreamz.I must admit that Im a fan of reality TV. There, I said it. I know who's who in 'Big Brother' and I have my favourite Survivor (note 'The Amazing Race' is different - it's cool reality TV), and that's one of the reasons I wanted to see this film. But having said that, it doesn't matter if you are a reality TV fan, just whether you are able to laugh at yourself once in a while and aren't too easily offended.The film has a great blend of political satire, social commentary, and intelligent, dark humour. Hugh Grant is terrific as Martin Tweed, the foul-mouthed, uncaring, fame seeker who doesn't care about anyone but himself. Mandy Moore is terrific as well and Dennis Quaid does a great job as the American President. But the real star of the movie is Omer, the show-tune loving potential terrorist played by Sam Golzari. This is a love it or hate it kinda movie, but don't judge it without seeing it or you may miss some of the best laughs you've had in while.

Have you ever felt dissatisfied with life but cant figure out why? Or even exactly what you're dissatisfied with? David Spritz (Cage) is in just that position. He's a successful weather man at a local station and is on the verge of promotion to a national position. That said, his personal life isn't perfect...he's a little distant to his family and still harbours hope that his collapsed marriage will be resurrected. Sitting at the cusp of a mid-life crisis isn't a fun place to be, but it's a great thing to watch.Every character is easy to identify with, but none feel like stereotypes. Michael Caine turns in one of the best performances of his career as Dave's father, the befuddled father/son chemistry between Cage and Caine is priceless.In an age of special effects and bottom lines, it's good to see there's still a place for character driven comedy. Equal parts comedy and drama, The Weather Man is THE Generation X mid-life crisis movie. I can't think of any others and if I could, I doubt they'd be as good as this one.