Politics have never been prioritized very high on my things I honestly care about list. I think the topic ranks right below balloon-shaping and directly above proper bread-buttering techniques. A shallow declaration, sure, but it just goes to show that my unreserved enjoyment of the new political film Primary Colors could have easily been sheer boredom.

The agenda of this political film started out as a comedy and then after about an hour switched into a consummate drama with the jokes thinning out as the movie progressed. A bold move by director Mike Nichols (The Graduate and The Birdcage) because the previews described the film as a full-fledged comedy which might turn off audiences looking for laughs when the stern and serious factors begin to surface.

Taking us along the presidential campaign of the virtually unknown Southern governor Jack Stanton (John Travolta), Nichols buys our seats on this wild ride with steady humor and pretty much keeps our attention through all the speeches, mud-slinging, affairs and hand-shaking surrounding the candidate.

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Stanton’s honesty and devoted faith to the goodness of people which Travolta pulls off with terrific, borderline naivet attracts the attention of former congressional aide Henry Burton (Adrian Lester). The grandson of a celebrated Civil Rights leader, Burton joins the Stanton team as the governor’s right-hand man because he truly believes Stanton might be the real thing a politician who means what he says and delivers what he promises.

Through the eyes of Henry, the story dives deep and touches the bottom of nearly every component of the race. From quickies with teachers in hotel rooms to fried chicken picnics down south, we watch Stanton move from no-name longshot to Democratic ticket contender.

The best parts of the film come in the form of the three-person team Burton becomes the core of. Political adviser Richard Jemmons (Billy Bob Thornton), Daisy (Maura Tierney) and Burton absorb every attack from Stanton’s political opponents and figure out under heavy pressure the quickest, most quiet ways to stifle the problems.

As Stanton’s wife and partner, emotion often finds Susan (Emma Thompson) first as she must not only help cover up her husband’s skirt-chasing, but deal with it personally as well. The multi-talented Thompson creates a strong First Lady candidate even if her English accent pokes its subtle head up occasionally.

As Stanton’s trouble shooter Libby Hoden (Kathy Bates) makes the way she digs up dirt on other candidates hilarious. The only thing that undermines Bates as a solid comedic star is her brilliance as a dramatic actress. Here we get to see some of both.

Elaine May’s screenplay offers some good laughs, and some of Stanton’s speeches and responses almost touch the heart. With the help of Nichols, May shifts the film from comedy to drama easily enough, but the process took too much time. I found myself glancing at my watch a few times too often.

The fact that Primary Colors is neither 100 percent comedy or drama may turn people off. But I like variety on my plate even if the topic is politics. Servings of comedy elements blended with a side of drama beats out a large helping of one heaping element.

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Directed by Mike Nichols

Written by Elaine May

Richard Jemmons…….Billy Bob Thornton