Franco clearly enjoys playing the idealistic rabble rouser, and who wouldn't want to direct a movie so they could cast themselves as a charismatic radical? Unfortunately, watching someone else play make believe is only fun if you believe it yourself.

Rarely has such star wattage resulted in a film so dull.

In Dubious Battle is monotonous in its messaging, working only when it allows itself to be a character piece less tied to Having Something to Say.

Whether there are fights breaking out, children on fire, or sweeping passionate speeches there isn't a lot of time left for subtle human moments.