Mooseport, Maine is the kind of town where everyone knows everyone else’s name; the kind of place where not much ever happens and that’s fine with the residents. All that changed when the former President of the United States decides to make a permanent residence out of his Northeastern vacation home. He is the only President to ever endure a divorce while in office and despite that ended his tenure with the highest approval rating of any president before him. In retirement, he looks to cash in on his popularity and cement his place is history via lucrative book deals, speaking engagements and of course the all important presidential library.

While making the rounds at a party thrown in his honor, shortly after his arrival, some of the citizens of Mooseport approached the ex-pres to inquire about his interest of running for Mayor of their quaint little town. It seems the incumbent had run un-opposed for so long that no one ever thought to throw his or her name in the hat for the office; something that was never a problem until the incumbent died. The ex pres thought little of the offer until it dawned on him that if he was mayor of Mooseport the ex first lady couldn’t lay claim to the vacation house as it would now become his principal place of residence. The plan was all in place until it was discovered that the beloved owner of the towns hardware shop had put his name in the running for mayor not knowing the position was offered to the ex president. He decides to stay in the race to attempt to impress his girlfriend who the president had thrown a pass at and invited out on a date. The press descended on the small town and commenced to have a field day of course when the guy who fixes toilets opposed the former head of the greatest nation in the world for the title of Mayor.

There were some entertaining moments in this movie and Gene Hackman never disappoints. I’m also sure that big fans of Ray Romano would enjoy this movie more than me perhaps. But I just didn’t find myself laughing very often for things that I can only assume were meant to be funny. This movie has heart, warmth and charm and if your grandmother is looking for a movie to go to, this one might be it. Other than that though, I suggest you look elsewhere for entertainment than Mooseport.