Al Franken’s Backup Plan

Oh, the many faces of Al Franken.

The guy has visited and entertained the troops and deserves mega-credit for that.

But ever since he entered the world of politics, Franken has become caustic, cranky and generally unfunny.

His much touted talk radio career is currently on life support.

Air America Radio is close to bankruptcy and recently had to endure the sordid publicity surrounding a Bronx charity that improperly lent money to the radio network.

The New York City Department of Investigation discovered that the Gloria Wise Boys & Girls Club had transferred $875,000 to Air America in the period leading up to the network’s launch in March 2004.

The charity recently had to pay the city back $625,000 ($250,000 the charity allegedly misused and $375,000 in overpayments).

Investigation into the matter continues and more shoes may drop.

Meanwhile Franken is entering the political arena and the movie-making one as well. He has set up a political action committee and established residency to run for the U.S. Senate in Minnesota.

He also has a documentary, “Al Franken: God Spoke,” which has been released just in time for the mid-term election campaign.

The movie starts out with a scene that invokes the film’s name, with Franken dressed up as Moses and letting viewers know that he’s on a mission from God.

The best movie moments are from Franken’s “Saturday Night Live” days and his standup routines. But the bulk of the film is all about Al–Al as a guest on cable, Al at a beltway party interacting with Republicans, Al promoting his book, Al hyping Air America and Al engaged in various behind-the-scenes rants.

The problem is, though, Al doesn’t wear very well.

The same qualities that he claims to abhor in his right-wing foes are displayed throughout the flick.

Stubborn disregard for facts, fondness for nasty personal attacks and endless supply of whiny voiced complaints makes “Al Franken: God Spoke” a must skip movie.