Year: 2004
Runtime: 110 min
Language: English
Director: Donald Petrie
Budget: $30M
A former U.S. President escapes a difficult divorce by retreating to the charming coastal town of Mooseport, Maine. Drawn into the local mayoral race, he finds himself competing against a quirky hardware store owner. As the campaign unfolds, he learns that the dynamics of small-town politics are driven by genuine relationships and a sense of community, rather than the usual political maneuvering.
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Read the complete plot breakdown of Welcome to Mooseport (2004), including all key story events, major twists, and the ending explained in detail. Discover what really happened—and what it all means.
Former President Monroe “Eagle” Cole (Gene Hackman) is compelled to relocate to his vacation residence in Mooseport, Maine, since his wife is claiming their mansion in the divorce settlement. After serving as a highly popular President with an impressive 85% approval rating, Cole’s plans revolve around writing his memoirs, engaging in lucrative speaking engagements at corporate events, playing golf, and constructing an expansive Presidential library.
However, the recent passing of Mooseport’s mayor has left a leadership void, prompting the town’s elders to encourage Cole to run for the position. To leverage the situation in his divorce case, Cole reluctantly agrees to throw his hat in the ring. What he doesn’t anticipate is that his opponent will be Harold `Handy’ Harrison (Ray Romano), the town’s amiable hardware store owner, who initially only entered the race due to the lack of interest from other candidates.
In a twist of fate, Cole inadvertently asks Harrison’s girlfriend out on a date, thus igniting an unexpected competition. Despite his history of electoral victories, Cole faces a formidable challenge against the well-liked and straightforward Harrison. Determined to secure his position, Cole recruits a campaign manager and splurges millions on advertising to ensure his triumph. The stakes are high, and as the campaign heats up, Cole must navigate the complexities of local politics while grappling with his personal dilemmas.
Last Updated: October 27, 2024 at 17:57
Discover curated groups of movies connected by mood, themes, and story style. Browse collections built around emotion, atmosphere, and narrative focus to easily find films that match what you feel like watching right now.
Lighthearted stories where community spirit triumphs over personal ambition.If you enjoyed the gentle humor and community-driven conflict in Welcome to Mooseport, you'll love these movies. This collection features lighthearted comedies about local rivalries, quaint settings, and underdog stories where small-town values ultimately win the day. Find more films that capture a similar feel-good, optimistic vibe.
The narrative typically involves an outsider or a local underdog being drawn into a friendly but earnest competition for a small-town honor, like a mayoral race or a local festival contest. The conflict is more about clashing personalities and learning humility than high-stakes drama, leading to a resolution that strengthens community bonds and often includes a sweet romantic subplot.
These movies are grouped together because they share a specific, cozy vibe defined by a LOW intensity, LIGHT tone, and a STEADY, character-driven pace. They prioritize charm and humor over tension, and their STRAIGHTFORWARD narratives deliver predictable but satisfying HAPPY endings that celebrate community and personal connection.
Heartwarming stories of starting over, finding love, and rediscovering simplicity.Fans of the sweet, low-drama romantic storyline in Welcome to Mooseport will appreciate these movies. This selection highlights comedies where characters find love and a new purpose after a life change, all wrapped in a gentle, humorous tone. Discover similar films about personal reinvention and optimistic new beginnings.
The plot follows a protagonist, often recovering from a personal or professional setback like a divorce or career change, who moves to a new, often quieter place. There, a rivalry or shared goal with a local character slowly blossoms into a romantic connection. The narrative avoids heavy drama, instead using mild misunderstandings and humorous situations to build a feel-good relationship arc.
These films are connected by their blend of romance and comedy with a LIGHT emotional weight. They share a STEADY pacing that allows for character development, a STRAIGHTFORWARD narrative structure, and a consistently HOPEFUL tone. The experience is defined by its comforting predictability and focus on positive emotional resolution.
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Track the full timeline of Welcome to Mooseport with every major event arranged chronologically. Perfect for decoding non-linear storytelling, flashbacks, or parallel narratives with a clear scene-by-scene breakdown.
Discover the characters, locations, and core themes that shape Welcome to Mooseport. Get insights into symbolic elements, setting significance, and deeper narrative meaning — ideal for thematic analysis and movie breakdowns.
Get a quick, spoiler-free overview of Welcome to Mooseport that covers the main plot points and key details without revealing any major twists or spoilers. Perfect for those who want to know what to expect before diving in.
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Discover movies like Welcome to Mooseport that share similar genres, themes, and storytelling elements. Whether you’re drawn to the atmosphere, character arcs, or plot structure, these curated recommendations will help you explore more films you’ll love.
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