If there was ever a film crying out for a sequel this is it. A barely disguised portrait of Clinton's rise from governor of a poor Southern state to president, this has all the ingredients for a compelling movie: intrigue, glamour, power games and dirt.

Clinton's career in politics reads like a Hollywood movie, so the script writers didn't have to invent much - at least as far as the plot is concerned. You may recognise the Jennifer Flowers episode, the president's other women "problems", the first lady-to-be's long-suffering patience and overriding ambition, and the suicide (see link at end) of one of the key campaign team members. John Travolta as the charismatic presidential figure, Jack Stanton, has the same effusively warm manner, the large physical presence, and the voice and accent that add up to Clinton's particular brand of folksiness.

What makes this movie, is not so much the incidents but the depiction of the ambiguous motivations of each of the characters. Politics is revealed as a game, and a dirty one at that, where even the honourable end up getting soiled. Stanton is shown in a sympathetic, but flawed light: he screws around, he is manipulative, but he is still a politician with a heart. He's got a common touch, he can speak to the people, so maybe he's okay.

This would be a thoroughly unpalatable line, if it wasn't for the strength of the lead performances, and cracking dialogue. Travolta's combination of emolient warmth and slippery evasiveness always leaves you in two minds as to whether you really like this guy or not. Similarly, if you ever wondered how Hilary could stand it, Emma Thompson's convincing performance (once you've accepted the odd American accent) goes a long way as an explanation.

As in real life the president is rarely alone, particularly on the campaign trail. The film does a great job of capturing the highs and lows of primary and presidential campaigns, from the street party workers up to the inner sanctum of "dirt busters" and "spin controllers". In particular, Billy Bob Thornton as the red neck party strategist and Kathy Bates as the bullish sleaze-controller put in powerful performances.

One disappointment is the ending. Stanton wins the presidential election and it hangs there, ambivalently and uncertainly amid the congratulatory smiles, the pomp and celebrations. Then again, this is in keeping with the tone of the film, which although it has a few pot shots at the Prez, pulls its punches.

In the wake of Clinton's confession that he lied to the world and his wife, and the whole sorry saga that has ensued, you might be left wishing the film-makers had played it a little less safe. The real drama is still unfolding on a small screen near you.