The Contender tells the story of a President (A pretty cool one too. Jeff Bridges as The Dude In Chief, President Jackson Evans) who nominates a female senator (Played by Joan Allen) to fill a vacancy as Vice President, and the subsequent vicious battle to get her confirmed.

Gary Oldman is superb as the Republican Congressman leading the fight against her, and keep an eye out for a pre CSI William Petersen (Grissom) as her chief rival for the nomination. Best scene in the movie is Bridges taking a freshman rebel congressman played by Christain Slater on a tour of the White House.

A good watchable tale of grown up politics with a sprinkling of idealism.