Watch My Fellow Americans
- PG-13
- 1996
- 1 hr 41 min
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6.5 (16,077)
My Fellow Americans is a comedic film that was released in 1996. The movie features a star-studded cast including veteran actors Jack Lemmon and James Garner, as well as Dan Aykroyd. The story is about two former American Presidents named Russell Kramer (Lemmon) and Matt Douglas (Garner). Although both have opposite political views, they both become entangled in a political scandal. The two men team up to clear their names and uncover the truth behind the corruption. Along the way, they make a series of amusing discoveries that keep the audience thoroughly entertained.
The film opens with the current President, played by Aykroyd, delivering a speech which is broadcast live all over America. As his speech ends, the camera cuts to Kramer and Douglas, who are watching the President's speech from their respective homes. Kramer and Douglas were once political enemies, but now both are out of office and living comfortably. They miss being in the spotlight, but they're happy to be free from the stress and responsibilities of the presidency.
Their peaceful life is soon interrupted when they're invited to attend the unveiling of their portraits in the White House. They are looking forward to the ceremony until they receive a call from a former aide who tells them that they are involved in a scandal that could bring both of their reputations - and the reputation of the entire country - down.
They refuse to believe the allegations and decide to investigate the matter themselves. They both decide to go on the run in order to avoid the press and they quickly discover that they're being chased by the FBI. They jump onto a train, disguised as poor farmers, and set off to find a small town where a woman, who was supposed to be dead, was last seen.
As they travel together, they reconnect and share stories about their lives, their families, and their time in office. Despite their opposing political views, they rediscover the strong friendship that they once had. This newfound friendship is something that they both needed in their lives at this point.
Throughout the movie, Kramer and Douglas encounter a variety of characters, including a corrupt businessman (played by Dan Aykroyd in a dual role), a prostitute, and a group of right-wing extremists. They also uncover some shocking secrets about their pasts and the American government. In doing so, they become embroiled in a larger conspiracy that threatens their very lives.
One of the standout performances in this film is Jack Lemmon's portrayal of Russell Kramer. His character is charming and witty, but also vulnerable and emotional at times. This combination makes him a relatable protagonist that audiences will love to root for. James Garner is equally impressive as Matt Douglas. He plays his character with a cool confidence that perfectly complements Kramer's nervous energy.
Dan Aykroyd also delivers a solid performance as both the current President and the corrupt businessman. He brings his trademark wit and humor to his scenes, but also manages to convey the appropriate level of menace when the situation calls for it.
Overall, My Fellow Americans is an enjoyable comedy that seamlessly blends humor with a thrilling plot. The movie is a tribute to the enduring friendship between two very different men who reconnect after years of bitter rivalry. The bond that they share is inspiring and the comedic moments provide a welcome break from the intense action. The film is a must-watch for anyone who loves political comedies or simply enjoys a good buddy movie.
My Fellow Americans is a 1996 comedy with a runtime of 1 hour and 41 minutes. It has received mostly poor reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.5 and a MetaScore of 49.