Vice

THE GIST: After a long career in politics and a stint in the private sector, Dick Cheney is picked by George W. Bush as his running mate in the 2000 presidential election. Once in the White House, Cheney, with Bush's blessing, quietly begins running and reshaping last swaths or the government, wielding powers that go way beyond what any vice president ever enjoyed.

Vice is a biographical and political drama with hints of dark comedy that only rattle the viewer more given the veracity of the events recounted and the far reaching consequences of Cheney's machinations, of which we're still largely feeling the effects today.

Needless to say, if you are not a Republican, your blood pressure will most certainly increase while watching this movie.

Christian Bale, unrecognizable as Cheney, is phenomenal, and he's surrounded by a series of top players, including Amy Adams, Steve Carell, Sam Rockwell, Alison Pill, Eddie Marsan, Justin Kirk, LisaGay Hamilton, Jesse Plemons, Lily Rabe, and Shea Whigham.

Bale, Rockwell, and Adams were all nominated for Oscars, along with Picture, Director, Screenplay, Editing, and Makeup; the latter actually won the Academy Award.

THE BOTTOM LINE: Upsetting at times, it's definitely worth a viewing, even just as a cautionary tale. Super acting work.

Grade: 7.5