Sexy George
- Joanne Jacobs
- Jul 12
- 1 min read
Young Washington, focusing on the Father of Our Country as a looks-maxxed surveyor and French and Indian War soldier, is the story of a striver, writes Matt Zoller Seitz.
Our hero grew up working on the tenant farm owned by his widowed mother, Mary. He talks his way into an expedition to the “Ohio Territories,” eager to rise above his lowly social status. As an aide to a British general, he survives -- almost miraculously -- a military disaster.
The movie, made by a studio known for conservative, Christian films, shows "the Europeans were eager to move west and settle 'unclaimed' territory occupied by Native Americans," but doesn't editorialize on whether that's a "defensible ambition," writes Seitz. Land "belongs to the one who tames it,” says young George.
The girl he likes, who's out of his reach socially and financially, hates the sexism of her society, but accepts it as a given, he notes. The Washington family slaves are mentioned, but offstage. "The Seneca come around to George and even anoint him as a white savior figure," writes Seitz but that's the only scene that indicates "the political inclinations of its core audience."
The low-budget biopic outdrew would-be blockbuster Supergirl on Fourth of July weekend. Perhaps Americans are eager for a hero who's just plain old heroic. And incredibly good looking.
I saw the movie yesterday and thoroughly enjoyed it; I recommend it highly. Beautiful look to it (scenes, costumes), exciting battle scenes, and excellent performances by Ben Kingsley and Kelsey Grammer in smaller roles; and the young actor who plays the young George is just fine (as well as nice to look at!). There are a few anachronisms in the dialogue (like "okay" and "works for me"), but they seemed rare. I liked hearing the Frenchmen speaking French and the Indians speaking their languages (from the credits, I gather they were Seneca and Shawnee).
I'm looking forward to the sequel(s). Go see it, you'll enjoy it!