Primary Colors (1998) Review in 2025
Primary Colors is a drama film based on the novel of the same name by Joe Klein. The movie follows the story of a young campaign manager, Jack Stanton, as he navigates the complexities of American politics.
Family-Friendly Rating
Is this movie suitable for family viewing?
This movie is not suitable for family viewing due to mature themes, language, and some explicit content.
CineReview Recommendation
This movie is worth watching for fans of politics and drama, but it may not be to everyone's taste due to its mature themes and some explicit content.
Spoiler Alert!
Hover to reveal spoiler summary
The movie revolves around Jack Stanton, a charismatic and ambitious politician who becomes the Democratic Party's nominee for president. As Jack's campaign gains momentum, he faces challenges from within his own party and from his opponent, and he must confront his own personal demons in order to win the election.
Review Details
story8.00/10
The story is engaging and well-paced, with a strong focus on character development. However, some plot points feel a bit contrived and the ending is somewhat abrupt.
acting9.00/10
The acting is superb, with John Travolta delivering a particularly impressive performance as Jack Stanton. The supporting cast is also excellent, with standout performances from Emma Thompson and Billy Bob Thornton.
characters9.00/10
The characters are well-developed and complex, with Jack Stanton being a particularly compelling protagonist. The supporting cast is also excellent, with standout performances from Emma Thompson and Billy Bob Thornton.
direction8.00/10
Mike Nichols' direction is solid, but he doesn't quite bring the same level of nuance and subtlety to the story as some of his other films. The pacing is well-balanced, but some scenes feel a bit overly long.
cinematography7.00/10
The cinematography is decent, but it doesn't particularly stand out in any way. The camera work is competent, but it doesn't add much to the overall visual aesthetic of the film.
Pros and Cons
Pros
The movie has a strong cast, a well-developed story, and some excellent performances. The themes of politics and corruption are timely and thought-provoking.
Cons
The pacing can be a bit slow at times, and some plot points feel a bit contrived. The cinematography is decent but not particularly memorable.
Notable Quotes
"I'm not a politician, I'm a human being."
"The only thing that matters is the truth."
"You can't have a little bit of corruption, it's like having a little bit of cancer."
