LBJ (2016)

My Review

Director Rob Reiner (“The Princess Bride” 1987) put together a fascinating biopic on the 36th President of the United States simply called “LBJ.” Reiner and screenwriter Joey Hartstone take a look at Lyndon Johnson’s ascension to the White House following John F. Kennedy’s assassination and his valiant attempt to pass his predecessor’s Civil Rights Act. They also added information on Lyndon’s early career in skillfully placed flashbacks.

Woody Harrelson, never one of Tinseltown’s heavy dramatic actors, did a great job in his portrayal of LBJ. Harrelson’s quirky mannerisms and awkward delivery of lines worked in his favor as Lyndon Johnson. Co-stars include Jennifer Jason Leigh as Lady Bird Johnson, Michael Stahl-David as Robert Kennedy, Jeffrey Donovan as John Kennedy, Kim Allen as Jackie Kennedy, Richard Jenkins as Sen. Richard Russell, Bill Pullman as Sen. Ralph Yarborough, C. Thomas Howell as aide Walter Jenkins, and John Burke as Gov. John Connally of Texas.

“LBJ” was a major box office bomb for producer Rob Reiner, Castle Rock Entertainment, Acacia Entertainment, Voltage Pictures, and Electric Entertainment. It was filmed in Louisiana, Texas, and Washington, D. C.