Bad Senator

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Patrick W A fun comedy-drama where the humor leads to getting to know the characters and some emotionally-moving moments by the end. There's a lot going on in this Sunbelt retirement community and the neighbors aren't always getting along. There's humor as the residents rub up against each other but it's all with good nature and as the story develops, relationships strengthen and silliness turns to support. The main characters are played with affable charm, especially deadpan Richard and comic Jocko, who meet their match with the down-to-earth energy of Iris. The story goes from comedic to emotional as we learn about the characters and their relationships, and a few twists in their own stories leads to a satisfying ending. There is also a really good soundtrack and music that helps set the story and the sunny Southern location. It was fun getting to know these characters and rooting for them. Rated 4/5 Stars •  Rated 4 out of 5 stars 05/05/25 Full Review CJ J This film is more bad dad/neighbor than bad senator, with a story that gets stronger as the film rolls along. Senator Richard Van Sutton (Bob Gallagher) lives in an upscale retirement community and hangs out quite a bit with his neighbor, Jocko Sutton (Rob Moore). Jacko is a former marine, whose demeanor suggests he's a **little** off. Their world gets rocked when the lovely Iris Hope (Vanessa Neff in a subtly nuanced performance) moves into a house that's between the two of them. Iris is clearly a flower child who makes these probable conservative cats VERY nervous, and they act out in very odd ways as they try to deal with their new neighbor. Iris' calming nature and kindly, optimistic worldview begin to work magic with Richard and Jocko, eventually helping them evolve into better people. An interesting twist comes in the film's third act, bringing genuine poignancy to the story, which sees Richard become a more doting, understanding father, and helps Jocko not to be such a dork. The film starts a little slowly, but builds momentum as rolls along - please stick with it for a satisfying ending. While I would have enjoyed a little political skewering (we need that these days), Bad Senator is at it's heart more of a romantic dramedy/romcom that fans of the genre should enjoy. Rated 3.5/5 Stars •  Rated 3.5 out of 5 stars 05/04/25 Full Review Josh S This movie is heartwarming, heartbreaking, funny, and charming. It is a rare combination that you get these days. I love films that are light but know when to hit the emotional punches. The performances were all great for what they were going for. And I was a fan of the cinematography. It worked really well for this story! Rated 3.5/5 Stars •  Rated 3.5 out of 5 stars 05/01/25 Full Review Bobby L "Bad Senator" features a stellar cast. Kaylee Amante, with the voice of an angel, conveys the joys and heartbreaks of the daughter of Senator Von Sutton, and shines as Eliana Von Sutton beautifully. I loved the scene at the Orange Blissom Opre. It was gorgeous and devastating. The songs were memorable as well. Vanessa Neff is luminous as Iris Hope. Neighbor to Senator Van Sutton and Jacko Stone, two bumbling lost souls running around a senior estate in golf carts, who are more concerned about one uping each other than being there for their loved ones. Vanessa is radiant and kooky, which is exactly the guiding light Senator Van Sutton needed. Bob Gallagher is a standout out, especially in the emotional scenes which payoff nicely. Written and directed by Chad W. Richardson, "Bad Senator" is a heartwarming tale of lost and redemption. The cinematography is stunning, filling the screen with a vibrant color palette. I very much enjoyed both the humor and the emotional roller coaster ride, and would highly recommend this dramedy. Rated 5/5 Stars •  Rated 5 out of 5 stars 05/01/25 Full Review Read all reviews

Bad Senator

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