‘Playing POTUS’ Review: Documentary From ‘Barb and Star’ Director Makes a Fun but Limited Impression
‘Playing POTUS’ Review: A Fun but Limited Documentary on Presidential Impressions
Directed by Josh Greenbaum (of Barb and Star Go to Vista Del Mar), the documentary ‘Playing POTUS’ offers a lively but shallow look at how comedians have impersonated U.S. presidents. The film features interviews and archival clips with stars like Dana Carvey (George H.W. Bush), Will Ferrell (George W. Bush), Darrell Hammond (Bill Clinton, Donald Trump), and Keegan-Michael Key (Barack Obama).
The documentary excels in showcasing the craft behind these impressions—how comedians study mannerisms, vocal tics, and gestures to create memorable caricatures. It also highlights the cultural impact of Saturday Night Live’s political sketches. However, the film struggles to dig deeper. It touches on the line between satire and respect, but rarely critiques the political consequences of these performances. The focus remains almost entirely on the performers’ process, leaving broader questions about media influence unanswered.
Key strengths include:
- Entertaining anecdotes from the comedians about their techniques.
- Rare behind-the-scenes footage of iconic sketches.
Weaknesses:
- Lack of critical analysis on how impressions shape public perception.
- Limited scope—skipping over controversial or failed impressions.
Overall, ‘Playing POTUS’ is a fun, nostalgic romp for comedy fans, but it leaves you wanting more substance. It’s a breezy watch that, much like the impressions it celebrates, captures a surface-level likeness without exploring the full portrait.