THE DISTINGUISHED GENTLEMAN

Eddie Murphy is at his best in this bright, cartoonish political satire. The movie makes fun of conniving politicians, uninformed voters, congressional decadence, and the expedient thinking that treats the end as justification for the means.

It is also very funny and well made, with competent acting, excellent cinematography, and strong direction. Its conscience-driven turn gives the story moral weight as its central character challenges deceitful political systems and powerful lobbying groups.

The cost is substantial for a family audience: 35 obscenities, at least three profanities, and one unneeded, gratuitous sex scene. Adults who can engage those concerns discerningly may find the satire worthwhile; families with children or young teens should choose something else. For discerning adults, this is worth the trip; for families, wait for a more suitable choice.

Thomas Jefferson Johnson is a con man who fakes his identity and gets elected to Congress. Once there, he feels at home among members who share his deceitful and dishonest ways.

But one constituent awakens his conscience. Johnson soon finds himself opposing powerful lobbying groups and confronting Congress itself.

Four stars means this is an unusually successful comedy. Murphy delivers a strong performance, while the cinematography, direction, and acting combine to create an intimate, bright, almost cartoonish quality.

The film also fits a rare category: true, well-done political satire. Its clever exposure of a dishonest political system, along with competent acting and excellent filmmaking, makes it a genuine and extremely funny spoof.

The film exposes Congressional decadence and a Machiavellian willingness to do what is expedient rather than what is decent and just. Its central character begins by participating in deceit and dishonesty, but his conscience is awakened through one of his constituents. He then acts against powerful interests and works to aid those harmed by the system.

That moral movement gives the film a positive concern for justice and truth. The content summary also notes positive references to Christianity and Jesus Christ. Still, the story begins in confidence games and bribery, and its political world is marked by dishonesty.

The film's central conviction is that corrupt systems should be exposed and that justice should matter more than expediency. Scripture gives that longing a clear standard: “He has told you, O man, what is good; and what does the LORD require of you but to do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God?” (Micah 6:8).

This is rare political satire: bright, clever, extremely funny, and morally concerned about dishonesty and justice. But its 35 obscenities, at least three profanities, and gratuitous sex scene make it unsuitable for children and young teens. For discerning adults, the answer is WORTH THE TRIP — ADULTS ONLY. For family viewing, see.