I’ve never really had much of an interest in politics. I know I should care more, but I just can’t make myself give a damn.

So I wasn’t sure what my reaction to a politically-themed movie like “Primary Colors” would be. I was a bit leery going in, to say the least.

You may recall the stir the novel caused a couple of years ago. Written by an anonymous author (since then identified as Joe Klein from Newsweek), the book was basically a fictionalized account of Bill Clinton’s presidential campaign from an insider’s perspective.

It wasn’t particularly flattering, either.

John Travolta stars in the movie version as Bill Clinton … er, I mean he stars as Jack Stanton.

Stanton is a silver haired, slightly tubby, smooth talking, womanizing governor of an unidentified southern state on his way to the White House. He can often be seen holding a doughnut or a chicken wing or an apple fritter. No McD’s, though.

In the role of presidential hopeful Stanton, Travolta gives his best performance since “Pulp Fiction.” The entire cast turns in stellar performances, and talk about an all-star list of names: Billy Bob Thorton, Emma Thompson, Kathy Bates.

Thorton is both funny and convincing as political strategist Richard. If you call him a redneck, he’ll reply, “You just called me a redneck, which I’m proud to say I am.” Likewise, Thompson is wonderful as Susan Stanton, wife of the candidate.

It is Bates that is the best thing in this movie. I think she is one of the most talented actresses working today, and her portrayal of Libby, a fanatically loyal friend and confidant to the Stantons’, is nothing short of brilliant.

“Primary Colors” definitely does not portray its candidate Jack Stanton in a positive light. He’s shown as a womanizer, a liar, a man willing to play dirty.

Sure, the parallels between reality (Clinton) and fiction (Stanton) are there. However, the movie isn’t so much a slam on Clinton as a slam on the entire political system.

The story is presented from the point of view of Henry Burton, the campaign’s manager.

He’s an idealistic young man who joins the campaign because he needs something to believe in. Throughout the film, Burton alternates between disillusionment and conviction about Jack Stanton. So does the audience.

“Primary Colors” starts out as a comedic look at a campaign but slowly turns into a drama as sex scandals, shady land deals (“Clearwater”) and political backstabbing come into play.

The transition from comedy to drama happens so slowly and subtly you hardly notice it.

Until 40 minutes before the credits roll, that is. The last part of the movie seemed to drag a bit as things got a little too serious. It starkly contrasted from the earlier, lighter feel.

That fact hardly detracts from an enjoyable movie going experience, though. Bottom line, after seeing “Primary Colors,” I still have no interest in politics.

But don’t let a lack of political interest keep you from enjoying this well-written, entertaining movie full of talented people doing wonderful work.

4 stars out of five

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Mike Milik is a senior in advertising from West Des Moines.