Joe Dante's satire on American politics, the media and just about everything else is 25 years old and the film is surprisingly contemporary considering our present day political climate.
It seems the Governor of Idaho who has been having an affair with a Hispanic news reporter has decided to close his state's borders to any new immigrants. This prompts a crisis in Washington DC as the President of the United States and his advisors decide to confront the Governor. Meanwhile a powerful cable news network is manipulating both sides of the crisis in order to secure higher ratings. The whole situation eventually becomes an armed conflict between the state of Idaho and the Federal government. While all of this is going on the Governor of Idaho is trying to rekindle his affair with the Hispanic reporter.
This is one of Joe Dante's best films as he skewers both sides of the crisis. This story allows him to really show his satirical side. Dante also has an excellent cast in this film. Beau Bridges is the clueless Governor, Phil Hartman is the ineffectual President. James Coburn is an advisor to the President who doesn't seem to have much good advice. Meanwhile at the cable news network, Dan Hedaya is the manipulative news editor. Dennis Leary is the cynical reporter covering the story and everyone is struggling with how to prevent preempting All My Children during this crisis.
The Second Civil War was made for HBO but I doubt they would finance a political satire like this today. Anyway, the film is a good black comedy.
The film was written by Martyn Burke, the running time is 98 minutes.
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