FDR: American Badass

FDR: American Badass is an irreverent take on history that spins the 32nd U.S. President Franklin D. Roosevelt’s struggle with polio and subsequent rise to the presidency into a wild and comical action/horror adventure. This cinematic extravaganza infused with hilarity, absurdity, and action delivers a unique blend of humor and historical fiction, which is not afraid to cross borders and push boundaries.

The protagonist of the movie is Franklin Delano Roosevelt, portrayed by Barry Bostwick, whose performance is both hilarious and engaging. He's a no-nonsense, straight-talking, whiskey-drinking president with an array of snappy one-liners and a gleefully anachronistic character. His portrayal of FDR is a far cry from the stoic, serious image that one might associate with one of America's most renowned presidents. Here, FDR is presented as a comical and adventurous character whose mission is to single-handedly save the nation from an unprecedented menace.

The setting takes us back to 1930s America, where our story unfurls. The movie opens with the then-President Elect Franklin Roosevelt being bitten by a werewolf on a hunting trip. This incident leads to Roosevelt contracting polio, which transforms him into a wheelchair-bound powerhouse. Unbeknownst to history, this is just the beginning of FDR's fight against not just polio but also supernatural forces. The filmmakers use this premise to not only introduce the supernatural element in the plot but also to set the tone for the rest of the movie – outrageous, fantastical, and exuberantly fun.

As this unusual narrative unfolds, FDR discovers that the werewolves who gave him polio are actually Nazis in disguise and, even more alarming, that they are planning a full-scale invasion of the United States. With his country under threat from these supernatural Nazi werewolves, Roosevelt makes it his mission to halt their nefarious plot, armed with an arsenal fitted onto his wheelchair and a team of loyal allies by his side. This gives the movie an action-hero arc that perfectly complements the outrageous absurdity of the plot.

Bostwick is complemented by an ensemble cast that includes Lin Shaye and Bruce McGill in supporting roles. Shaye plays Eleanor Roosevelt with flair, fitting effortlessly into this crazy narrative, while McGill gives us a hilarious portrayal of Louis Howe, FDR’s political advisor. Both support Bostwick’s lead with commendable performances that lend abundant hilarity, toughness, and pathos to the proceedings.

FDR: American Badass hits a unique balance between comedy, action, and spontaneous absurdity. It's a fast-paced roller coaster ride charting an altered biography of one of the greatest American presidents and is unapologetic about its eccentric take on history. This unique blend is reflected in the dialogue, full of modern colloquialism and laced with satirical humor, creating a deliberate anachronism that amplifies the comedy.

Directed by Garrett Brawith and scripted by Ross Patterson, the movie is a peculiar genre-bender that combines elements of horror, comedy, action, and historical drama. The duo manages to extract humor from every situation and injects an extra layer of absurdity that keeps the narrative engaging and viewers entertained throughout.

While the movie might not be a typical work of historical fiction or an accurate representation of FDR's life, it never pretends to be. Instead, it thrives on its unique brand of offbeat humor, outrageous plotlines, and delightful character portrayals. This approach makes FDR: American Badass a thoroughly fun film to watch, especially for viewers with a penchant for the ridiculous and a taste for the bizarre, or those who simply enjoy an alternate history adventure with a comedic twist.

In conclusion, FDR: American Badass is an audacious spin on history, a fabulous popcorn flick for an audience seeking non-stop laughter, and a tongue-in-cheek tribute to one of America's greatest leaders. As an entertaining mix of history and humor with a side of outlandish action, it's a movie that stands out for its ideological audacity and mirth. Don't miss it if you have a soft spot for the unconventional and the extraordinary.