Given Bush's verbal missteps over the years, Brolin could have fallen into the trap of playing him like a "Saturday Night Live" caricature, said James Cromwell, who plays the president's father. But Brolin delivers a performance that presents Bush as a full-blooded character.

Despite being the son of James Brolin, stepson of Barbra Streisand and husband of Diane Lane, actor Josh Brolin struggled like any actor trying to forge a career – but unlike most others – he forged his in the shadow of three formidable talents. In fact, ever since his debut in the kiddie adventure comedy, “The Goonies” (1985), Brolin languished for years in roles that were well below his station. He did, however, reserve the right to be picky, often passing on projects other actors would opt to take.