The only differences between this film and Mr. Smith Goes to Washington are to update it from 1939 to 1977 and to fit it into the context of the Billy Jack character. Even some of the names are the same. Jimmy Stewart's portrayal of Mr. Smith is a classic. This remake doesn't come close to living up to the original. If you're a Billy Jack fan it's worth a watch. If you're not a Billy Jack fan watch Jimmy Stewart in the original instead.

Former convicted criminal from the first Billy Jack movie and focal point of a riot where a few dozen people were killed now gets an appointment to the US Senate via Governor Richard Gauthier. Only in the movies.

Tom Laughlin felt that Jimmy Stewart's character of Jefferson Smith was a proper vehicle for the expression of his ideas and so Billy Jack Goes To Washington was born. The 30s classic is given a reworking and Jefferson Smith's national boys camp is now coed and to be modeled on the Indian reservation school where Delores Taylor mentored the kids.

But now instead of a dam, a nuclear power plant is to be built and in Washington style the appropriation is once again hidden in a bill. And if you've seen Mr. Smith Goes To Washington you know pretty much what happens here. Whole chunks of dialog from the original is lifted into this film.

Another idea that had me reeling though was included, that being a national initiative that the young folks who Billy Jack is an icon want. An idea from our country's Progressive Era unearthed and better that it should have stayed buried. This film itself gives all the arguments against it, low voter turnout, special interests getting the best media campaign money can buy from Madison Avenue. George W. Bush would have grooved on a national referendum on same sex marriage for instance during the 2004 presidential campaign.

In fact I'm willing to bet that Laughlin and Taylor are rethinking that one today. Billy Jack Goes To Washington is a bad idea of misplaced populism.