'Our Brand Is Crisis' Movie Review: Sandra Bullock and Billy Bob Thornton Star in Lackluster Film

— -- Starring Sandra Bullock and Billy Bob Thornton

Rated R

Two out of five stars

Over the past couple of decades, we’ve experienced a number of excellent, thoughtful political films.

"Our Brand Is Crisis" is not one of them.

Based on the 2005 documentary of the same name, Sandra Bullock plays a recovering campaign strategist named Jane Bodine. After spending several years getting sober and throwing pottery, a former colleague working for a presidential candidate in Bolivia comes calling, in desperate need of help. Reluctant at first, Jane decides to do the deed when she learns her nemesis, Pat Candy (Billy Bob Thornton) is working for the opposition. Jane has never beaten Pat, so this is her chance to go down to Bolivia and kick his butt.

Sandra Bullock is a great actress. Anyone who tells you differently has an ax to grind or simply doesn’t know what they’re talking about. Billy Bob Thornton is no slouch either. Unfortunately, all the talent and comedic timing in the world can’t rescue this unfocused script from its lack of relevance, poignancy or meaning.