Truly Dreadful Film

n my opinion it was a great movie with some interesting elements, even though having some plot holes and the ending probably was just too messy and crammed together, but still fun to watch and not your casual movie that is similar to all other ones.

It's a good bad... and worth a popcorn matinée. While it's easy to lament what could have been...

A terrific literary drama and character piece that shows how the process of creating art can be seen differently by those doing it and those looking at it from the outside.

Firstly, this isn't a film about political ideology, so everyone should appreciate this one of a kind perspective at the political campaign process. People never got to know Mitt during the previous election, which was one of his biggest problems. He seems like such a warm good person after watching this. I'd guess the only thing he's missing is the ruthlessness you would expect in a politician. This documentary (via Netflix) reveals some layers to a man who seemed so cardboard in the past. There isn't that whole battle strategy thing you're expecting (apparently this wasn't allowed to be filmed). This film comes across as a love letter to the man. At many times you feel just like you're sitting down for dinner with the family, and Mitt's your Dad. This is a rare treat for a film. It would have been a better film with some of the harder political strategy from his campaign team, but for what it is, I hope that more candidates follow this idea and release it within their election window. This kind of access to a real person reveals so much more about a person than a debate. What it reveals is a man who's just a bit too sweet and fatherly to topple his competitor. The perfect example moment is twenty-something minutes into the film after the 2008 campaign when we see him siting in a chair in the kitchen reading the paper with his glasses on; It's like a Norman Rockwell painting. Highly recommend this film for it's one-of-a-kind access to one of the great competitions of our time.

I watched this movie because I love politics. I'm especially a fan of the documentary 'War Room' about Clinton's 1992 campaign. It gave a behind the scenes look at the running of a presidential campaign- warts and all. Getting that much access was a first and 'War Room' is still considered one of the best political documentaries out there. Interestingly, Bill Clinton was not the star of the film. It was really about the advisers and political operation that are the staple of every modern presidential campaign. The film 'Mitt' is the total opposite of 'War Room'. This is not so much a political documentary as it is a video diary of his family meetings while running for President in 2008 and 2012. It offers a glimpse into moments of the Romney family's life, which can at times be interesting and almost endearing as it tries to humanize the man behind the pressed suit and tie, but it offers little insight into the campaign itself. So if you are a political junkie hoping to see what it's like to be a part of one of the biggest high-wire acts in all of politics, you might be disappointed. However, 'Mitt' is interesting for the fact that it clearly shows Romney how he would like to be remembered. He wants to be viewed as a kind, smart, successful family man. And maybe that's what he's really like, but because the film shows him in such a positive light, it's not hard to imagine that Romney and his family had final edit or that the filmmaker became a friend over the course of filming. Whether or not that's a bad thing is up to you. If you voted for Romney in 2012, you might come away seeing a good family man who should have shown more of his personality on the campaign- he might have won if he had. If you voted for Obama, you just might see a different side of the man and leave the experience with some sympathy for him. Nonetheless, this film is also a vehicle to settle some scores and present Romney's version of history for historians, much like a memoir would. Mitt Romney seems to be a man from a different era. A wealthy, educated, polite and well-dressed businessman who says "heck" and "gosh" around his family. He'd fit right into a black and white movie from the 40's or a 50's sitcom. What also comes across is a man who is analytical, fastidiousness and risk averse. The way he speaks, the decisions he made in the campaign and even the way he walks all suggest a man who is trying very hard to do things correctly and efficiently. This inability to let himself loose and take big risks is what many political reporters and observers believe hurt his campaign. This film is perhaps guilty of the same problem- it is too safe and controlled and it offers few real insights into the man or his campaign, instead preferring to show highlights of him when he's with his family. This isn't necessarily a bad thing, it just isn't particularly revealing or interesting as a political documentary. In the end, this is likely a film that Mitt Romney would be happy to have share a name with him. 6.5/10

What is most noteworthy about this new Netflix documentary titled "Mitt" is not what it shows but what it doesn't – what it leaves out. While it begins showing the candidate surrounded by his loving family and then eventually his friends and supporters, it never shows him being confronting by his critics or opponents. When Romney is shown interacting with the public, they are either supporters or don't know him yet because it is still too early in the campaign. As a result of this exclusion of any and all critical voices, this film becomes propaganda. It attempts to humanize the candidate but does not provide a full picture. Finally, it is important to remember that this film's footage is only being shown with the full permission of Mitt and his family. Consider what that means in terms of representing all sides of the candidate and his life. If, however, you are a fan of Mitt, you will take pleasure in watching this. If not, you will likely feel frustrated and manipulated. David Elliott Lewis, San Francisco

"Mitt" is more like a collection of home video footage than a typical documentary. It shows Mitt Romney with his staff, family and friends, letting his guard down at a time when as a candidate he could rarely do so in public. This film may not change your opinion of Romney (Romney supporters will continue to think he should have won, President Obama supporters will think this validates him winning) but it will let you see a side of him that you haven't previously been able to.The movie obviously touches on politics, it is following a candidate through two presidential campaigns after all, and the Romney's do feel that Barack Obama is not a good fit for president, but the really does as good of a job as possible of being apolitical. There isn't a focus on "told you so" moments that some Romney advisers and supporters hoped there would be. While there is criticism of Romney's opponents and of the media, the film doesn't outright bash anyone.The main focus of the film is Mitt Romney's interactions with his family, and the tolls that a presidential campaign takes on someone and those around them. There are moments that are very personal, such as the family praying, and moments where family members reveal how incredibly difficult it is to go through the process of campaigning across the entire nation. I personally would have liked to see more of the strategy behind the campaign discussed, and more on the mechanics of traveling the country to run the campaign, but that wasn't what the focus of this was.I enjoyed "Mitt" and so did my friends who watched it with me, and our group spanned the political spectrum from left to right. If you are interested in seeing a glimpse behind the curtain of a campaign, or in seeing a candidate when they are relaxed and not having to put on a show, you should definitely check out "Mitt".