Decidedly not as good their Recount, Jay Roach and Danny Strong's reteaming still has its moments. They present behind the scenes moments of the McCain-Palin campaign here that are downright irresistible, namely whenever there's a major confrontation. Julianne Moore pretty much locks down an Emmy win as Palin, convincingly inhabiting the role with a degree of comfort that's astounding considering how prolific the former governor remains. Her major blowouts with Woody Harrelson and a scene-stealing Sarah Paulson are high points.
Editing is the biggest issue here. The film feels in no way fluid, transitioning roughly from one phase of the campaign to the next. The scenes here don't offer an encapsulation of the entire McCain-Palin drama.
Ed Harris is also a liability. His John McCain is physically unconvincing, but the character's also peripheral to a point he barely serves a purpose. Harris also doesn't present McCain's coldness or awkwardness. It's apt though that, like how Palin stole McCain's thunder, Moore easily overtakes Harris.
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