Pros and Cons of 'Frost/Nixon'
Pro
1. Frank Langella does great work as Nixon (though I still think Penn deserved his Best Actor Oscar). I also approve of Michael Sheen's performance as Frost. It reminds me of Sheen's performance in the Queen: doing his best to maintain composure even in dire situations. Kevin Bacon gives the best supporting performance in the film, when Frost disrespects Nixon over the phone you can practically feel the anger fuming out of him.
2. I like how the film isn't necessarily Pro-Frost or Pro-Nixon. It plays fair to both sides.
3. The cinematography is gorgeous, this truly a good-looking film, especially in one scene of the Frost-Nixon interview at night where the scene is only illuminated by lamp light. You gotta love the last shot: Nixon all alone by himself as we fade to black. You can really feel Nixon's loneliness and emptiness.
4. Even though it's not meant to be funny, I laughed at Nixon giving a speech to the Orthodontists meeting. That just seemed funny to me.
5. I was worried for a bit that Ron Howard would add a romantic subplot just for those who don't want to see a Nixon movie. Fortunately Opie kept Frost's love life mostly to the sidelines and focused on the far more interesting interviews with Nixon.
6. As someone who considers Amadeus to be his favorite film, it's always pleasing to see another hit film adapted from the stage.
Best Line:
Nixon: You really should marry her.
Frost: Yes she's very pretty.
Nixon: Yes but more important, she's from Monaco: they don't pay taxes.
Con:
1. As someone of Italian decent I have to say that if that's the way Nixon felt about Italian Leather, he was quite an *beep* (may he rest in peace)
2. I didn't care for the seemingly unnecessary reference to Hugh Hefner, mostly just because I really hate that horny sleazeball.
3. I did not need to see that guy naked at the end of the movie.
One final note: If you enjoyed Frost/Nixon I highly encourage you to seek out the 1984 film "Secret Honor". The film stars Phillip Baker Hall in a 1-man show as Nixon on the night before his resignation. It may be difficult to get your hands on the film but you'll be glad you did.