Walton (communication arts, Ohio Northern U.) explores how selected movies have portrayed political campaigns and politicians, how they function rhetorically, and how they appeal to core values. The six films, ranging from the 1939 Mr. Smith Goes to Washington to the 2000 The Contender deal with mainstream US national electoral politics. She analyzes them in terms of their interpretation of political events, how they reflect the political consciousness of society, and the political implications of that consciousness. Annotation ©2008 Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)