“FDR: American Badass!” is a hilariously absurd comedy that turns Franklin Delano Roosevelt into a gun-toting, werewolf-slaying hero. It’s like “Abraham Lincoln: Vampire Hunter” but with polio jokes. FDR battles Nazis, Mussolini, and a pack of lycanthropes with the help of his trusty wheelchair and one-liner quips. The film is so ridiculous and over-the-top that it’s impossible not to find it entertaining. Despite its absurd premise, “FDR: American Badass!” manages to be both funny and charming, thanks in large part to its talented cast.
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Review
In the film “FDR: American Badass!”, director Garrett Brawith and writer Ross Patterson have concocted a delightfully absurd alternate history where President Franklin D. Roosevelt isn’t just a wheelchair-bound statesman, but also a werewolf slayer. The storyline is hilarious and engaging, as it straddles the line between pure comedy and biting satire.
The plot follows FDR (played by Barry Bostwick) as he transforms into a werewolf and takes on Nazi werewolves during World War II. Along for the ride are his wheelchair-bound sidekick, who is also a veteran of World War I, played by Lin Shaye, and his love interest, played by Robin Sydney. The film boasts an impressive cast of character actors, including Kevin Sorbo as Abraham Lincoln and Paul Ben-Victor as Al Capone.
The filmmakers take great care to include factual elements in their fictionalized story. For example, FDR’s polio is never ignored or downplayed; instead, it’s used to highlight his physical limitations while still allowing him to be an action hero. In one scene, he uses his wheelchair to mow down Nazi werewolves.
The acting in the film is top-notch. Bostwick delivers a standout performance as FDR, bringing both gravitas and humor to the role. Shaye is hilarious as his no-nonsense partner in crime-fighting, while Sydney adds a touch of romance to the proceedings.
However, what truly makes “FDR: American Badass!” stand out is its irreverent sense of humor. The dialogue crackles with clever one-liners and pop-culture references (at one point FDR declares “I’m too old for this shit,” echoing Danny Glover’s famous catchphrase from Lethal Weapon). The special effects are intentionally cheesy but effective nonetheless.
Despite being a low-budget indie production with limited mainstream exposure upon its release in 2012, “FDR: American Badass!” has gained a cult following in the years since. It’s not hard to see why; the film is a riotous send-up of both presidential history and B-movie horror tropes.
Critics were somewhat mixed on the film upon its initial release, with some applauding its audacity and others dismissing it as tasteless. However, even those who didn’t care for the film must admit that it’s a bold and unique piece of filmmaking.
Overall, “FDR: American Badass!” is an endlessly entertaining romp through an alternate history full of werewolves, Nazis, and presidential badassery. It may not be everyone’s cup of tea, but for those who appreciate offbeat humor and genre mashups, it’s an absolute must-see. As FDR himself might say: “The only thing we have to fear is boredom from not watching this movie.”
Technical Data
- Runtime : 93
- Release : 2012-09-24
- Genre : Comedy
- Cast : Barry Bostwick as FDR, Bruce McGill as Louis, Lin Shaye as Eleanor Roosevelt, Ray Wise as Douglas MacArthur, Ross Patterson as Cleavon Buford
- Crew : Oneita Parker as Costume Design, Donald Paul Pemrick as Casting, Dean E. Fronk as Casting, Kevin Sorbo as Executive Producer, Ross Patterson as Producer
- Popularity 3.252
- Budget : 0
- Revenue : 0
- Company :
- Summary : Chronicles the adventures of Franklin Delano Roosevelt, as he rides a “wheelchair of death” to stop the world from being taking over by polio-carrying werewolves during WWII. A deadly menace that are led by Werewolf Hitler, Mussolini and Emperor Hirohito.
- Tagline :
