The Presidents' Gatekeepers

Mostly fascinating tales from all the presidents' men that occasionally need (sometimes badly) journalistic balance and perspective.

Their stories are at turns intense, emotional, angry and humorous--and will capture your attention.

The Presidents' Gatekeepers is an engaging watch for most, though some segments are more accessible and interesting than others, especially when the history and details of those others become dense and the names become unfamiliar for younger audiences.

The Gatekeepers reveals a few anecdotal secrets here and there, most of them charming and none that will damage any ex-bosses’ reputations.

While the project proves something of a logistical triumph, it’s only fitfully interesting.

The film jumps eras willy-nilly, and never settles on a narrative of how the role of chief of staff has evolved over the years.