Like a relentlessly charismatic political candidate offering the moon, stars and a viable health-care plan, ''Bob Roberts'' promises much but ultimately fails to deliver.

Whether we find Our Bob appealing or anathema, it is a measure of Robbins' exceptional success that no one can doubt how seductive a candidate like this would be in an election near you.

After a summer in Hollywood fantasyland, at last we have an American movie that rattles our cage-and pokes a sharp spear into the body politic. Now that's entertainment.

It's entertaining, but a lot like watching CNN for two hours.