About the film (courtesy of Focus Features):
From writer/director Jon Stewart comes the comedy of a Democrat political consultant (Steve Carell) who helps a retired Marine colonel (Chris Cooper) run for mayor in a small Wisconsin town.

Here we are in another week of the increasingly familiar feel of viewing being able to view a brand new release in the comfort, and safety, of your own home. As the weeks pass by, this process is starting to feel like a true new normal. The thing that I’ve realized is that these studios are carefully curating their offerings on titles that don’t necessarily require the full theatrical treatment in order to be enjoyed to the fullest. Focus Features’ release of Irresistible fits very nicely into this strategy.

If you’ve already seen the trailers or know anything about the man behind this satirical comedy drama, I’m sure opinions have already been formed as to what type of message director/writer Jon Stewart will try to get across with Irresistible. To say that Stewart is at ease in sharing his opinions, views and beliefs would definitely be an understatement. Instead of pulling muscles and jumping to conclusions, keep reading for just a bit and see why you might want to check out this latest in-home offering.

Even though Irresistible is mostly about politics, which includes Democrats versus Republicans, conservatives versus liberals, CNN versus Fox News, or any of the other platforms that are being shoved down our throats every single day, the actual story is about the fictional Wisconsin city of Deerlaken and its small, vulnerable and hurting community. Sure there are politics but their story is so much more than that.

Steve Carell versus Rose Byrne is essentially the main event that is billed. Irresistible ends up being surprisingly enjoyable for more reasons than just those two main actors. Chris Cooper and Mackenzie Davis also make solid contributions along with Topher Grace, Natasha Lyonne and many of the other actors that provided that little bit of extra character needed that makes the Jon Stewart flick unexpectedly charming and deeper than you might assume.

I ended up getting more than I bargained for upon finishing Irresistible. I went in thinking one thing and came away seeing the world of politics, and people really, in a different light. Agendas are typically tricky animals, you can have the best of intentions with them, but there are usually factors at play that aren’t ever considered due to the nature of trying to achieve above all else. Jon Stewart does a very decent job of not playing favorites, and instead brings other stuff to the forefront, being a decent human being, for example.

I won’t go as far as calling this offering a feel-good summer comedy that can’t be missed. I will say that it is entertaining and does offer a few items to ponder well after its 101 minute runtime is over. And fear not Steve Carell fans, his performance here is nothing like what you may have seen in Space Force. You can catch Irresistible in video on demand form on various streaming platforms starting this Friday, June 26.