DVD Review: Ferrell satirizes Bush

Posted Nov 3, 2009 by Kevin Walker

Updated Nov 3, 2009 at 11:50 AM

“Will Ferrell: You’re Welcome, America. A Final Night with George W. Bush”
Stars: Will Ferrell
Rated: Not rated, but contains profanity, brief nudity and mature material
Running time: 115 minutes
Release date: Nov. 3
My take: Wow. Even I was surprised that Ferrell “took it there” during some bits of this show, particularly the one involving the penis, which I will not attempt to describe, what with this being a family-friendly kind of blog (most of the time). Generally speaking, haters of George W. Bush will find this knee-slappin’ hilarious and Bush supporters will pretty much be appalled or bored (jokes about Bush’s lack of verbal skills have been old since about ’02). I found some moments laugh-out-loud funny, particularly the way Ferrell skewers Bush’s silver-spoon attitude of entitlement and superiority. Other bits fell a little flat, including much of the “Bush as cowboy” section. There’s plenty of bawdy humor that is easier to enjoy when you are in the comfort of your home and no one can judge you. I was constantly amazed at how Ferrell absolutely nails the former president’s facial expressions and verbal ticks. I also found some of this oddly sympathetic to Bush, mostly the way Ferrell humanizes him, so Bush-haters might not be entirely pleased.
Extras: One of the disc’s best bits is the “Bush interviews Bush” section, in which Ferrell plays the president both as cowboy and in his presidential suit attire.
Who will like: People who detest former President George W. Bush and people who enjoy satire of public officials and aren’t put off by penis jokes. And, I suppose, Bush supporters with a sense of humor.