In the new film Re-Election, director-writer-producer Adam Saunders and star Tony Danza bring a heartfelt and humorous story to the screen, blending nostalgia, comedy, and a timely message about empathy and public service. Set against the backdrop of a high school election gone awry in 1995, Re-Election follows Jimmy Bauer (Saunders), a 40-something underdog who gets a second chance to rewrite his past by returning to his old high school to finish his credits—and win the class president election that once derailed his dreams. With an all-star cast including Tony Danza as Jimmy’s father Stan, Rizwan Manji as opponent Manish Singh, and Patty Guggenheim as Jimmy’s sister Shawna, the film delivers a mix of laughs and life lessons. In a recent interview in Dallas, Saunders and Danza shared insights about the film’s creation, its universal themes, and their personal journeys in the industry.
A Story with Heart and Humor
Re-Election is as much about personal growth as it is about political satire. Saunders, who also stars as Jimmy, explained that the film’s timing couldn’t be more perfect. “When I wrote it, I had always envisioned that it would come out in [20]24 because that was an election year,” Saunders said. “But I actually now I feel like this is the time for this.” The film’s blend of comedy and heartfelt moments resonates with audiences, offering both entertainment and a deeper message. Danza echoed this sentiment, noting, “It is all of that comedy… but it has that heart. It has something to say.”
The story follows Jimmy as he navigates a modern high school landscape, grappling with changes like social media and evolving social norms, all while learning from his Gen-Alpha friend Noa (Bex Taylor-Klaus) and reconnecting with his former classmate Ama (Nathalie Kelley). The film’s central theme, as both Saunders and Danza emphasized, is empathy. “Sometimes it’s not only about you, and you have to think about other people,” Danza said. “You have to have some empathy, and that’s in short supply nowadays.” Saunders added that the film is about “serving the public… doing things for other people that might not be in your own best interest,” a message that feels particularly relevant in today’s polarized world.
Behind-the-Scenes Fun
The set of Re-Election was a place of camaraderie and creativity, with Danza stealing the show during breaks with his ukulele playing. “He would get people gathered round like the Pied Piper,” Saunders recalled. “Everybody would watch him play, and it was awesome.” Originally scripted to feature a piano, the film switched to a ukulele to incorporate Danza’s musical talents, a change that added a unique charm to the production. “It was in the script, it was piano, and then Tony played the ukulele, so we switched,” Saunders shared, highlighting the collaborative spirit of the filmmaking process.
A Personal Journey
For Saunders, Re-Election was a deeply personal project. “Everything was on the line for this movie,” he said. “I wrote it, I directed, I acted, I produced it… every relationship I had was put into it.” The film marked a “Hail Mary moment” for Saunders, a culmination of his career and a chance to tell a story that combined his passions for writing, directing, and acting. Returning to his hometown of Dallas for a screening tied to his 30th high school reunion at Richardson High School made the experience even more meaningful. “The actual school was so excited about the movie… we did a screening for Richardson, and I rode in the homecoming parade,” Saunders said, describing the “very meta” moment.
For Danza, the film brought back memories of his own career-defining moment. Reflecting on his early days, he shared, “I was in the gym boxing on 30th and Eighth Avenue at Gleason’s, and somebody came in and said, ‘Hey, do you ever think about being an actor?’” That chance encounter led to his iconic role in Taxi, where he was welcomed by an experienced cast despite his lack of acting experience. “It was about those people helping you,” Danza said, tying his own story back to the film’s theme of community and support.
Advice for Aspiring Artists
Both Saunders and Danza offered heartfelt advice for those looking to break into the entertainment industry. Saunders emphasized the importance of discipline and authenticity. “Every day I get up and I write, every single day, rain or shine,” he said. “Some days you write good things, and sometimes you write terrible things, but it’s just the act of doing it.” He urged aspiring artists to pursue their true passions without compromise: “Just do the thing you want to do… don’t make it more complicated.”
Danza, drawing from his own unconventional path from boxing to acting, stressed the value of a strong foundation and perseverance. “Study, get yourself a foundation,” he advised, noting that his lack of early training meant he had to “catch up” in the industry. He also encouraged young artists to ignore naysayers who claim certain careers are too difficult. “There’s no easy job,” Danza said. “So spend your time doing the thing you love the most.”
A Success Mindset
Maintaining a positive mindset is key in both life and the film industry, and both Saunders and Danza shared how they stay grounded. For Danza, physical discipline is crucial. “I try to exercise and keep myself in shape, and that helps me to be grounded,” he said, describing his routine of waking up early to work out even on busy days. Saunders echoed the importance of discipline, citing his daily writing habit as a way to stay focused and creative.
A Timely and Timeless Message
Re-election is more than just a comedy—it’s a reminder that life’s journey is about how we finish, not how we start. With its mix of humor, heart, and a powerful message about empathy and public service, the film is poised to resonate with audiences during this election year and beyond. As Saunders and Danza shared, the film’s creation was a labor of love, and their passion for storytelling shines through in every scene. Whether you’re a fan of Tony Danza’s iconic performances or eager to see Adam Saunders’ multifaceted talents, Re-Election is a must-watch for anyone who believes in second chances and the power of following your heart.
