Irresistible

A retired, down-on-his-luck Marine colonel (Steve Carell) believes he can help a simple Wisconsin farmer win an election against a well-funded Republican incumbent. He soon finds himself out of his depth in the political arena and facing opposition from a shrewd, experienced Democratic consultant (Rose Byrne) who is adept at manipulating public opinion. The film explores the absurdity and complexities of modern political campaigning.

Irresistible received mixed reviews from critics, who praised its satirical ambitions and Steve Carell's performance but found the humor to be somewhat uneven and the political commentary lacking in biting insight. Audiences were similarly divided, with some appreciating the attempt at political satire while others felt it fell short of its potential.

• While aiming for sharp political satire, the film often lands with a dull thud.

• Steve Carell delivers a committed performance, but it's not enough to elevate the uneven script.

• The movie offers a glimpse into the absurdities of modern politics but lacks the incisiveness of Jon Stewart's previous work.

Google audience: Google users generally found the film to be a lighthearted, if somewhat predictable, political comedy. Many appreciated the effort to satirize the political landscape, and some found the performances engaging. However, a significant portion of viewers felt the humor didn't always land and that the movie ultimately lacked a strong point of view.

Jon Stewart, the director and writer, stepped away from his long-running role as host of "The Daily Show" in 2015, and "Irresistible" was his first feature film directorial effort since leaving the program.