Genres

Visitors Review

Eric K 2012-05-24 15:38:19

Slow Starter but Great Ender

Ides of March is the slowest movie to start. Oddly enough though themovie flies by before you know it. One great part I loved was the useof shadows as a motif in the film.I wanna start off by praising Gosling. He shines in this role as a manwho has to make tough decisions on subjects such as loyalty, integrity,as well as a few others. I can see why he is getting a lot of Oscartalk. As for the movie itself, I personally don't see a Best Picturenomination. But since the Academy knows a few things about LOYALTYdon't be surprised if Clooney gets a nod for director.No spoiler here for the end, but I'll leave you with this much info.Gosling is put in a position where he has to choose between what isright and what is wrong. The ending is left for you to interpret. Thefinal shot is great, it's his face half in the shadows half in thelight, truly showing you he may choose the bad choice or the right one.

ketgup83 2012-05-24 12:43:28

Ryan Gosling stands out in this outstanding political drama...

The Ides of March was a perfect political drama with astounding shocksand turns that will leave you deep breathed and feel satisfied withhigh gripping drama. Steven is a regular guy who helps the Governor toparticipate in a political campaign for the seat of US president.Through his daily job , he learns the tricks and attributes of politicsand soon finds himself washing hands off in the dirty game of politics.He fights back and proves that he is the best man standing up up We allknow what a fine actor George Clooney is but there is not even aslightest doubt about his brilliancy in direction. The director of"Good night, good luck" uses same routine of dark political drama withefficient screenplay(again he is credited for this) and toweringperformances by the lead cast. The story is so tight that you would notfeel bored even for a minute. The whole star cast has indeed donejustice to their part but its Ryan Gosling who steals the show. Themesmerizing actor is getting better and better with each performance.If you will like him in Drive , you will just love him in this flick.He just performs effortlessly and carries the charm along with him inevery frame . Watch his expression when he is sitting in the carcompletely depressed. Overall , An amazing , intellectual thriller thatis sure to keep you entertained. Watch it if you like performanceoriented films with tight script.Brilliant – 4/5

Troye Dchgl 2012-05-24 04:44:45

Politics On-screen

And to talk about alternate thrillers, put this next to also AcademyAward-nominated "Margin Call" for screenplay you easily spot thedifference, both in the quality of performances and the power of thescript. This thriller-drama revolves around Stephen (Ryan Gosling), asmart staffer for a campaign who learns the true face of politics thequick way.The script is captivating and it draws the audience at the exact momentthe film starts, but what satisfies more than the changes in Goslingfrom the beginning to the end? Ryan Gosling delivers his transitionrealistically through events that unfold in front of him, with solidand believable performances scene after scene that prove he is a highlycapable actor. Gosling's mask-like portrait of the nameless hero in"Drive" is amazing and exciting, but his performance in "The Ides ofMarch" undoubtedly expose to us more of his if not flawless, masterfuland flexible acting abilities. And we shouldn't leave out Hoffman andGiamatti, who are both incredible and perfect for their roles, PaulZara and Tom Duffy, respectively. Clooney is great, but credits shoulddefinitely be given to him for the whole package, for his directing andwriting rather than his performance alone. Evan Rachel Wood plays asupporting role as Molly Stearns, who is much related to the entirecampaign itself and many characters. She is also the key that motivatesGosling's actions."The Ides of March" is certainly one of the most powerful andbelievable political thrillers or dramas out there, so don't miss thisfor certain.- dchgl.blogspot.com

jadepietro 2012-05-23 23:48:32

Politypical ( But Intriguing Nevertheless )

This film is highly recommended.Politics is a dirty business. That's a fact, a sad one, but a factnevertheless. In The Ides of March, the new political drama solidlydirected, written ( with immense support from Grant Heslov andplaywright Beau Willimon ), and starring Hollywood star, GeorgeClooney, the backstabbing and betrayals are of a more literal variety,but the wounds rarely heal as lives are thoroughly altered andselfishly destroyed.Based on the Off-Broadway hit, Farragut North, the renamed filmsuccessfully blends political intrigue with adult dialogue and strongcharacterizations. An idealistic campaign staffer sees first-hand thetragedy of our political system as he becomes embroiled in a scandalthat could cost an election. A subdued Ryan Gosling portrays StevenMeyers, an ambitious and smart disciple who wholeheartedly believes inhis godlike leader and presidential Democratic nominee. The evercharismatic George Clooney fills those shoes in a wonderful supportingperformance as candidate Mike Morris. Looking the part of the dashingpolitico, he creates the necessary persona with his dashing exteriorthat hides a more complex man beneath the custom-made suits, patternedties, and patriotic flag pins. Steven learns to ply the tricks of the trade from his experiencedmentor and strategist, ( Philip Seymour Hoffman ) while combating hisrival counterpart (Paul Giamatti, giving another strong performance )and dancing around the issues with a feisty reporter ( Marisa Tomei ).He also finds some free time in his busy schedule to bed a beautifulintern, Molly ( Evan Rachel Wood ). All of these well-writtencharacters have their star moments and deliver their scenes with muchstyle and zip. The cast is exceptional, but it is Hoffman whobrilliantly commands every inch of screen time. It is especiallyevident in one of his final moments with a particularly powerfulmonologue about ethics and loyalty in today's political climate thatjust might net him another Oscar nomination.While The Ides of March is rather conventional in its narrativestructure, it still is engrossing and thought-provoking entertainment.There is really nothing new in this clichéd world of politics and itsstrange bedfellows. Certain events occur within the script that becomea bit melodramatic with predictable outcomes for some of thestereotypical characters, but the film triumphs due to its densely tautscreenplay with its eloquent use of language and intricate plottingredeeming these minor flaws.The film harks back to the well-constructed political dramas of thesixties, like Advice and Consent, Seven Days in May, and The Best Man,films that prospered in a less cynical time. The Ides of March isdefinitely a product of our times, with a liberal-minded progressivecandidate unafraid of change, an underdog for the common people and askillful orator willing to buck the Washington scene ( Sound familiar?). It gathered my attention and gets my vote as one of the best filmsof the year. GRADE: B+NOTE: Visit my movie blog for more reviews: www.dearmoviegoer.com

halils6959 2012-05-23 00:17:54

If for not anything, watch it for Ryan !

Well, it was a good film, a good production.The story has some ups and downs with somewhat expected turns ofevents. The editing was solid and timing of the events - in spite ofbeing easily foreseeable - was certainly in line with the flow. TheScript was above average; there were a few forced metaphors though.But, all in all, it was well structured production with a fluent flowof events and it achieves what it wants to convey in an orderlyfashion.However, real achievement within this movie, is how the acting of RyanGosling outshines through all the other great actors like PhilipSeymour Hoffman, Paul Giamatti and even George Clooney. Even thoughRyan Gosling is certainly accepted as a great actor now, it is clearthat he is destined for much more than what he has already achieved.

Projit Mookerjee 2012-05-22 11:02:30

"Beware the ides of March."

The Ides of March, another directorial venture by George Clooney(nominated for the best director at Golden Globes for this movie) isanother take on the politics of running for the President of USA. It isa well known fact, that politics is a game only for those who are readyto sleep with the lions, and this movie makes no bones about it. Itoffers nothing new in terms of the story. But where it deviates fromthe tried and tested, is the way it presents it and who it presents itthrough. Here we have the director himself acting out a crucialsupporting role while leaving the pivotal role for the now Mr.Dependable – Ryan Gosling (What a year he has had. Drive, Crazy StupidLove and now this). He essays the role with considerable dept, at timesusing only his eyes to depict his emotions. Gosling is supported by abrilliant cast that includes Philip Seymour Hoffman, Jeffrey Wright,Paul Giamatti & Max Minghella. The cast is helped with a tightscreenplay, which the director co-wrote, able background score,excellent cinematography & crisp editing. A special mention for thestrong hands of Clooney, who deftly handles this story with a varietyof storytelling techniques: sometime letting the background talkthrough tracking shots (without any characters), and at time mixing itup by depicting conflicting emotions through references andsurroundings. Although you know that everyone is out to get this shareof the meat, it will still keep you guessing as to who will remainstanding in the end. This is what first rate movies are all about, muchunlike the unnecessary hamming that we get in out desi fare, in thename of main stream cinema.Watch it and be thoroughly entertained.Title Trivia: The Ides of March was the day (March 15) that JuliusCaesar was assassinated. In Shakespeare's "Julius Caesar" before beingstabbed to death, Julius Caesar is told by a Soothsayer: "Beware theides of March."

troy-manatunga 2012-05-21 21:09:50

Most certainly a movie that will take down George Clooney and Ryan Gosling into the big leagues of Director and the next promising legend in Hollywood!

Just when one starts to accept its lights out for George Clooney, herehe is again right back on his feet with a 4 time nomination at the 2012Golden Globe Awards for his production THE IDES OF MARCH. Sadly thenight did not go well for THE IDES OF MARCH however surprisingly wellfor Clooney. Clooney bagged in the award for the Best performance by anactor in a Motion Picture – Drama Category for his performance in THEDESCENDANTS (That which I have not yet seen; hence I would not pass anyverdict) however my personal favorite of the evening is indeed The Manof the Year Ryan Gosling. Both who put up a magnificent, precise andconvincing performances alongside with Paul Giamatti and Philip SeymourHoffman in THE IDES OF MARCH and that alone will for certain make it aworthy contender at the Oscars come Feb 26th 2012. The nominations arealready out and rest assured there are multiple holdings on THE IDES OFMARCH. Isn't this alone good enough a reason to consider this a mustwatch? There is always a negative vibe that the audiences receive whenyou say that it's a Drama. Most would feel it isn't the best of ways tospend the weekend or your money for that matter. Then there is thefemale audience who always would rightly prefer to turn their heads ifit has anything to do with politics. So how do you sell such aproduction? Timing is vital. The Screen play for THE IDES OF MARCH wasinitially done in the year 2008 and with the win of President Obama tothe white house the appeal for such a distrustful themed movie wouldnot have sold well with all the celebration of the change that arrivedto America. It is after all called the filming industry and where thereisn't money there indeed isn't hope. Now at a time with electionsaround the corner is the time they have decided to bring this to thetheatres. Smart isn't it?Governor Mike Morris (George Clooney) and Senator Pullman (MichaelMantell) both with the potential of being the next presidentialcandidate are fair players. The kind of individual one would prefer tolead the nation. Paul (Philip Seymour Hoffman) campaign manager toMayor Morris and Duffy (Paul Giamatti) campaign manager to the senatorhave their own game of dirty politics planned out. Hoffman and Giamattiare shrewd and evil. This is some sharp characterization by thedirector and the actors themselves. There isn't much of build in thecharacters as much as there is an outburst of corruption in them. Theydo not begin as fair players in the trade, the stand out as the bestand definitely the finest in what they do; this certainly explains whythey got the job with the top dogs. Stephen (Ryan Gosling) on the otherhand is a newbie by age and looks considering the wrinkles the majors'sport. He isn't as much of a newbie as much as he is a game winner. Ifhe believes in the cause he will fight till the end. Sounds a prettyscarce breed in the arena of politics of today! Ryan Gosling is indeed the movie. He is there from the beginningthrough till the end. In every single frame if I am not mistaken. Itdisheartens me that he missed out at the Golden Globes. Maybe an Oscarperhaps? Ryan's character of Stephen undergoes large magnitudes ofturmoil in the presidential trail. He sports frustration, lust,confusion, betrayal and being betrayed. Stephen grows through the 101minutes of playtime. If he grows into a better or a worse directionisn't that much of a hard choice to make. Yet when you consider thegame of politics at times the direction he chooses seems always theonly option.Most certainly a movie that will take down George Clooney and RyanGosling into the big leagues of Director and the next promising legendin Hollywood!Title: The Ides of March Directed by : George Clooney Starring: GeorgeClooney, Ryan Gosling, Philip Seymour Hoffman & Paul Giamatti Rated: Rfor pervasive language Rating: 08/10 101 Minutes

Harry T. Yung 2012-05-21 05:31:34

Best ever assembled acting power packed into a mere 100 minutes

I'm sorry but I must suggest that IMDb user reviews are not meant to beserious. Those that are serious get paid for their reviews. Those whoget paid for their reviews and still pass them off as IMDb usersreviews are (you fill in the blank). But even for a non-serious IMDbuser review, this one I am submitting on "The Ides of March" isfrivolous. The movie is just so much fun, tragic turn of eventsnotwithstanding.For a start, look at the "intern syndrome" because that is the key plotline that drives events in this movie. Despite the obvious subtleties(oxymoron intended) in avoiding the sinful "p" word and "a" word ("I'mIN TROUBLE with the governor", "I can't go to my father – we areCatholics"), the movie makers can't hide the fact that this is likelythe most-used situation in any melodrama, be it books, plays or movies.And it is difficult to suppress a chuckle when you see that if theprotagonist had followed the style of THE intern, i.e. the Lewinskystyle, the problem would never have occurred and the tragedy averted.The other fun thing is the play on the title, in reversing the roles.It may not be apparent at first glance rising bright star Meyers isbetraying is mentor Zara. But if you think about it, I'll see that thetrue betrayal comes from the big boss Morris. But I am ahead of myselfso let me back up a little with a brief plot summary.Despite the look of complication, the plot is quite simple: Ohioprimary, the generally recognized to be the most accurate indicator ofthe final results of the presidential election. The contestants:Governor Mike Morris (George Clooney) against a senator who for thismovie is mere props. A more important senator, Thompson (JeffreyWright), is one wooed by both candidates on account of the powercarried with his 200 plus delegates. The most intense battle is reallybetween the two top notch campaign managers, Paul Zara (Philip SeymourHoffman) and Tom Duffy (Paul Giamatti) respectively, the intensity ofwhich something not unlike the shoot out between two fast draws in agood old Western. In the Morris camp, there is another pair with ananalogy-inviting relationship, of mentor Zara and protégée StephenMeyers (Ryan Gosling), not unlike Obi-Wan Kenobi and Anakin Skywalker.The intern here is Molly Stearns (Evan Rachel Wood). Hovering on theperimeter is Ida Horowicz (Marisa Tomei) who uses Meyers and viceversa. One more character to note is Morris's supportive wife Cindy(Jennifer Ehle). The fun starts with Duffy "talking" to Meyers andtakes an exponential leap when the later stumbles across something whenhaving a fling with Stearns. Then it's down the Yellow Brick Road ofdouble, double and more double-cross.While well made, competently directed (Clooney) and definitelyentertaining, this movie is a tad melodramatic and say nothing youhaven't heard of about dirty politics. The fun is all in the acting. Ihave in no less than a few times described a cast as a "dream team".Well, this one is a dream team among dream teams.There may appear to be a double-lead billing but there is only one reallead actor: Gosling. He gets billed, rightly, before Clooney whodefeated him in the "Drama" class of Golden Globe, not with this movie,but with "The descendant". He is superb in depicting the loss ofinnocence (dark William Blake undercurrent) of a prodigious young (30)rising star. Oozing embittered desperation, Gosling is as cool as he isin "Drive", but even more chilly. Clooney, to his credit, does not tryto outshine Gosling but delivers a solid performance in a characterthat is, in a way, even more chilling. He is, of course, after all thedirector and he also has "The descendant" for his Oscar bid. Gosling isnot even nominated (unlike for Golden Globe), most unfair.A better pair you cannot find as Hoffman and Giamatti and with thesetwo, I don't think I need say more. Wright has a really small part butthe role is quite important, and he is certainly good to see. Wood onthe other hand has the third most important role in this movie, aheadof Hoffman and Giamatti. She is probably best remembered as tworebellious daughters, rebellious but mature, more so than therespective fathers in "King of California" (2007) and "The wrestler"(2008). In "Ides of March" she has the most sympathetic (or you caneven say ONLY sympathetic) role, which she handles very well. In areunion of sorts with Wood is Tomie (she won a Best Support Oscar for"The wrestler"), whose role here is regrettably small but eye-catching.Eher may not be a household name but whoever that has seen her in"Possession" (2002) and "The King's speech" (2010) would not be able toforget her. To have her in just one small scene here in as Morris'swife, with her husband in a car, is a pleasure.This movie has the most lamentable waste of acting power from any teamof actors ever assembled. Clooney has a tough enough time as directorsqueezing as much as he can sensibly do in the 100 minutes of thismovie. That was good enough to get him a nomination in Golden Globe,but not enough for Oscar, which is not surprising.

silvjakich 2012-05-20 21:04:48

An intelligent and exciting movie

"The Ides of March" was an inspirationally well written, directed andacted film. I watched it on the plane to New Zealand and immediatelyreplayed it when on the plane back to New York. Revealing how the gameof politics will jade the most idealistic player, I was fascinated bythe tricky chess game of each character as they tried to get what theywanted. My only complaint is that Evan Rachel Wood didn't hold upagainst such a seasoned and intelligent cast. Her character was sadlyone dimensional and unconvincing as well as a little void when it cameto connecting with Ryan Gosling.But I thoroughly recommend this film and feel its opening scenes aredripping with symbolism and pathos and this is a true American classic.Go George Clooney!!

jtprius510 2012-05-20 02:54:18

Politically Charged Stage Play

Audiences leaving George Clooney's latest Ides Of March will feel likethey've just finished a watching a really good play.What makes sense of this is the fact Ides Of March was adapted from aplay. In a play telling an audience everything they need to know alwayshelps, especially when the majority of it are only going to see itonce. However the difference in film is the aesthetic liberties itallows its' director and I don't think in this Clooney took enoughadvantage of that.There is a part to this movie where a business exchange takes placeinside of an escalade parked outside of a barbershop. The words beingexchanged within that escalade are left to the audience's imaginationbecause the camera never goes inside, but stands staring at it fromacross the street. Ides of March could've used a lot more scenes likethis, but Clooney played it safe with a conventionally linear storyline. And I think Clooney put so much more into the story line than heneeded to for the audience's sake.This film didn't leave enough to the imagination of its' audience.While the actors carried out every single demand of this script, thefilm itself doesn't leave its' audience with enough to make them wantto watch it again. The amount of telling done over this show leaveslittle to no replay value. It feels like the majority of the aestheticwas put into the script when I think a minimum would've been more thanenough. Ides of March's script told me a lot more than I needed toknow. It feels like the script told me so much that I forgot some keyelements to the story. Then again the liberties he took with the scriptis exactly what allowed Ryan Gosling to take his character to someextremes.In terms of acting, with names like Ryan Gosling, Philip SeymourHoffman, and Paul Giamatti, Clooney delivers an all-star studded SegaDream-Cast. And in terms of his direction, Clooney really leaves IdesOf March to his roots in the stage. However with that said I'm afraidit all felt a little too staged for the silver screen.For the sake of cinema I think Clooney could've taken a little more ofan aesthetic liberty with this project.

georgelarkins 2012-05-19 15:27:11

The Ides has it!

What begins as a slow freight train of the slogging political campaigntrail picks up to become a downward spiraling vortex in which no playerescapes unscathed. The checkerboard of dirty politicking gets uglier asthe stakes are raised in a game of secrets and lies. George Clooney asthe Director moves his pieces about his role of Presidential hopefuland sitting Governor like moons orbiting Jupiter. The central core ofhis moral servitude destabilizes and results in the collision of thosecaught in his gravitational pull. Ryan Goslin gives a dark and stormyperformance as the kid who will do what it takes to stay in the game.Evan Rachel Wood who is hard pressed to pass for twenty lends a subtleseductress sans innocent intern credibility. Paul Giomantii creates aswarthy opponent to the Morris campaign, He don't drink no F---inMerlot and He didn't order any F---in Buffalo Wings! Phillip SeymourHoffman gives an incredible level of believability and proves thatgreat acting is knowing when to shut your trap. Marrisa Tomei blends inbeautifully as the reporter hot on the trail, she's a bloodhound thatis going to sniff out what she can from the campaign. Very well done,and hat's off to George for not stealing the show.

2012-05-18 20:02:44

Cynically brilliant

I don't remember the last time I've enjoyed a movie so much. More tothe point, perhaps, I don't remember the last time a movie socompletely overwhelmed me. By the end, I felt as if the wind had beenknocked out of me.The Ides of March is a rich, carefully, indeed brilliantly made moviethat does not settle for simple caricatures and stereotypes. The maincharacters all have three dimensions, and, as the movie progresses, welearn not to trust our first impressions of any of them.One of the most brilliant strokes was casting Clooney as the apparentlyidealistic candidate, Mike Morris. Because Clooney directed the movie,you buy into our initial positive perception of the character, -spoiler alert here, folks! - which makes our discovery of his feet ofclay at the end of the movie that much more devastating.Another brilliant decision was the way Clooney shot the very end of themovie, when Stephen - spoiler alert again! - manipulates his way to thetop with what amounts to blackmail. Had Frank Capra directed this moviein a different time, Stephen would probably have finished the moviewith a powerful speech denouncing the hypocrisy he witnesses, and thatcould have been very dramatic. (Think James Steward in Mr. Smith Goesto Washington, etc.) But here Clooney has Stephen swallow everything hehas seen, the betrayal of all the ideals that first made him go intopolitics. And we are left with just his face, horrified at what he andthe man he works for have become.The Ides of March presents a very cynical view of how presidentialpolitics works. It does so in a devastatingly powerful way. At times itmay make you sick to your stomach, but at no time does it ever let yourattention flag. It is one extremely well-directed and acted movie.

Sandy Landin 2012-05-17 22:49:28

Depressing leftist propaganda

I had hoped I would never have to think of this movie ever again, but Ifeel compelled to warn other unsuspecting movie goers. I was duped bythe wonderful reviews and a preview that looked like, finally, I wasgoing to see a movie with an actual conflict and a character whostruggles with what is the right thing to do. I wasted my time andmoney on this leftist propaganda. What we actually have here are characters without a moral compass. Andwriters who assume (wrongly) that we all want the same thingspolitically. They think the end justifies the means and they throw in afew digs as if to say "everyone is doing it so why not us?". It's sodepressing. Those involved with the making of this movie tried to leaveus with the message that all human beings are basically pond scum. Idon't share that view, but I suspect those involved were beingintrospective.

stensson 2012-05-17 11:27:00

It's just politics

Another Hollywood genre with well-known dramaturgy is the electionmovies. It's always telling how rotten it is. Intrigues, sex,humiliation, lies. We all know it since long ago, but it would sometimebe surprising to meet at least one film politician who is a good guy orgirl.You don't meet anyone here, of course, but you get 100 entertainingminutes, including the as usual marvelous Philip Seymour Hoffman.George Clooney's script-writing and directing are better than hisacting this time.You can't say these movies are recommending for democracy, but they arerecommending for the typical Hollywood handicraft. In this case,anyway.

Gaston Bacquet 2012-05-13 17:55:26

Worth it, but funny aftertaste....

It's difficult to write a review about this film. It's so full ofcontradictions (artistic and otherwise) that it leaves you with a funnyaftertaste. The film is about an idealistic young man working as aconsultant for a campaigning politician and the conflicts anddichotomies he has to face if he wants to remain whole and with hisintegrity unbroken. Purely from the filmmaking standpoint, the moviewill remind you of political thrillers of the 70s made by Alan J.Pakula or Sydney Pollack. It's beautifully shot, has a great and veryad-hoc music score, very good performances by everyone involved. Theway the story and main character evolved, however, lacked coherence andat one point I was under the impression I was watching a fragment of adifferent movie. Somehow it went from A to D, skipping B and Caltogether. That alone changed my viewing experience from fullysatisfying to one that, as I said at the beginning, left a funnyaftertaste. The movie is more of a character study than a politicalthriller per se; as the former, it works mainly because of theperformances by actors who are able to convey the inner conflicts theyface. As the latter, don't expect to be taken aback with unpredictabletwists or edge-of-your-seat suspense, because you won't find thosehere. I give it a 7/10.

Danny Blankenship 2012-05-12 23:16:21

Clever and high tense political drama that's full of ego, intrigue, secrets, and behind the door backstabbing.

"The Ides of March" is clearly one film that can be described aslooking at the underworld of politics and it's dirty games of lies,secrets, and under the table and behind the door deals. As if like mostyou follow the political world and pay close attention you know thatsadly that's what the political game contains you can trust no one it'sa cold business of every dog for themselves. And the man Mr. everythingGeorge Clooney who goes rounds as both director and key star shows withthis film that the political world can be exciting, entertaining alwayshaving high drama present and it proves secrets can be deadly, as thefilm can be seen as a need for good loyal and moral calling. And thecast is top notch with all pro talent especially the work of Goslingand Giamatti stands out.The film is set during the presidential primary season in Ohio abattleground state for the Democratic nomination, and leading the wayis Pennsylvania governor Mike Morris(George Clooney)a big idealsliberal who wants to change the face of America. Along the way he'sguided along by veteran campaign manager the loyal and tough PaulZara(Philip Seymour Hoffman), yet underneath it all is the new shiningstar of the team that's new aide and press secretary the young andcocky pretty boy Stephen Myers(in Ryan Gosling's best role)and Stephenis ready to take over the world in many ways. It's then after thesecentral players are introduced this film takes a deep journey into theworld of political intrigue and office backstabbing, and this is mostevident when Myers has a behind the scenes meeting with a rivaldemocratic campaign manager for another candidate during this meetingthe clever and brilliant Tom Duffy(Paul Giamatti)knows how to work aplan that will lead to a cat and mouse game of second guessing andbetrayal.Only this film has a good subplot in a twist that complicates mattersmore a young sexy intern on the Morris staff named Molly Stearns(EvanRachel Wood)has eyes for young pretty boy Stephen and after the passionof one stands play out a deadly hidden secret is revealed that coulddestroy all in the Morris camp. However in the dirty political worldone has to twist things with promises and undercover blackmail as anendorsement from a democratic senator Thompson(Jeffrey Wright)surepatches the wounds up for this political campaign. Really it's toughfor New York Times reporter Ida(Marisa Tomei)to get a straight storywith all of the twist and turns that these political waters take.Really this is a detailed film that shows just what the political worldis about it boils down to favors and backstabbing deals that have toovershadow the scandal and shortcomings that is all to common tocandidates and political staffs. It sure showcases what I already knewalong with others that the political world is a dirty game a cutthroatbusiness every man for himself. And Clooney did a fine job showing howit works as his film was spiced with tension, suspense, drama andintrigue and some secret subplots. In the end this film had me thinkingabout morals, seeking the truth and wanting more loyalty as one canstill seek hope even in a dirty business like politics.

judy 2012-05-12 12:40:40

Noise signifying nothing

I went into this movie with great expectations; too bad. Ides of Marchis noise signifying nothing. I expected more from George Clooney.Hollywood likes Ryan Gossling. He'd better hope that they don't startto like him too much because when they do they start to put you ingarbage like this. Ides of March should have been a great politicalthriller, but instead we get a predictable movie that telegraphs all ofits intentions and leaves you empty. I guess George has become cynicalabout politics and I guess I can't blame him based on the currentsituation. I guess I can understand why more people haven't flocked tothis movie. My husband fell asleep on the first half and I was angryafter the second half. The movie should have left you with something tothink about like Michael Clayton but it didn't; too bad.

gigadragon12 2012-05-12 05:02:39

Great start to a disappointing movie

The Ides of March is a political thriller about the Democratic Primaryin Ohio at the start of a political rally for who will eventually benominated to run for President. Political Manager Stephen Myers (RyanGosling) is top of his game as new presidential candidate Mike Morris(George Clooney) looks to be well on his way to winning the Ohioprimary. However, several moves on the political spectrum, and asurprise controversy uncovered part way through, shake the idealisticMyers to his core, and puts him knee deep in a race for the primarywith his candidate as the target to lose it all.Sounds great right? Well it could have been – 7.5 / 10 What Clooneywants with this film is something that was just accomplished by thefilm Contagion only a few months ago, in short, he wants torealistically represent what actually goes on behind all the mediastorm and speeches, what really goes into the hearts of the politicalcampaigners as they battle for the chance to win the presidential spotfor their party. And the film certainly starts well enough in thatspectrum.But a fundamental shift halfway through the film or so. It goes fromrealistically portraying the events that take place, to suddenlybecoming something much more emotional. What happens isn't so muchunbelievable as it is badly placed in a movie that does not seem towant to tell a story as much as make a statement. Instead what it doesis tell a story and says to hell with the statement, but still wants toact like it is making a statement.This is because it goes from realistic to emotional. Contagion workedbecause it portrayed an outbreak realistically, the emotional partswere limited and had more to do with people being people rather thanever replacing the logical and clockwork functions of a virus, which isclockwork. This movie decides that a logical game of chess (politics,same thing) can be completely destroyed because a pawn has a heartattack.The real issue is the twist itself and that's stepping intospoilerville. Essentially, so much melodrama is suddenly demanded fromone simple scene, that it throws the intelligent and logical viewpointof the movie so completely off track that it doesn't remember that thisis supposed to be a movie about politics and works on more spectrumsthan just the one going on behind people's bedroom doors.But at least the acting was great. You hear a lot about Gosling'sperformance in the lead role, but the greats take the cake, PhillipSeymour Hoffman and Paul Giamatti are so empowered as the heads oftheir candidates' political campaigns and knowing so much more thanGosling, that you would be more impressed if you hadn't seen them inbetter movies doing better roles.All that banter and ranting being said, Ides of March could have been agreat movie had it kept its head and tried to offer an acceptablereason for the dirty game of politics, rather than amounting to a fewtoo many cookies missing from the cookie jar. Their reasoning focusestoo much on the antics of one type of scandal, rather than the truestrategic meanderings of people, media, and candidates. The movieactually leaves us much like Gosling at the end, disappointed,confused, and wondering at what point our true expectations got leftbehind and converted without us even knowing about it.

evon200 2012-05-10 20:15:49

Superb: a new take on a classic story: in fact a classic movie

Think West Wing without the fawning self-admiring liberalism; orShakespeare's Julius Caesar without the murky historical and linguisticinaccessibility.This is a political thriller which translates seemingly effortlesslyfrom the page into what will be a minor classic movie. Clooney is morethan a pretty face. He was shrewd to pick the story off thebookshelves, smart in co-adapting it into an intelligent and grippingscreenplay, brave in directing sequences where the camera lingersoutside of events so your mind paints in the action within, and gutsyto cast himself in an unsavoury role effectively playing No2 to RyanGosling.All credit to the producers. This may not be a box office smash (anddon't go see it if your idea of a good movie is cretinous shoot-em-upgoodies against evil banality) but over the years it will reward themdeservedly and richly.

khan2705 2012-05-10 08:20:42

Even the most honest people have dark sides too.

Starring:Ryan Gosling, George Clooney, Philip Seymour Hoffman, Paul Giamatti,Evan Rachel Wood, Marisa Tomei, Jeffrey Wright, Max Minghella, JenniferEhle, Gregory Itzin and Michael Mantell.Directed By:George Clooney.Review:This political thriller drama may not be the strongest point in theGeorge Clooney's directorial history but it is worth appreciating. Ireally liked the whole movie and i sat through it without any problems,i had a good time. So this movie is all about how dirty or bad politicscan be, you can't really fully trust someone in this game even thoughyou idolize someone or have your utmost trust on them. There are darkand evil sides to everyone and that can really trouble your life aswell. Ryan Gosling plays Stephen Myers who is a thirty somethingcampaign manager of Governor Mike Morris played by George Clooney whois running for presidential campaign and has the very best chance toget nominated. Myers believes firmly in Mike Morris, his ideas and thefact that he is the one who can bring that change and no one else. Heis later on caught in a unusual situation where he becomes the victimof the politics within politics when he gets call from a rival, hevisits him and things get ugly after that. He is being told to jointheir campaign that Morris is not who he think he is, he hides thiswhich later results in his own downfall.This movie doesn't necessarily represents the current state of politicsbut it really feels like a Shakespearen tale of Julieus Cesar ofsomething, betrayal is followed by betrayal where the bad ones makesthe good ones uglier. This movie moves in a way that later turns verydramatic, kind of like a thriller with a pace so perfect. In thebeginning it just looks and feels like another political drama butlater on it comes off outstanding. This is a movie in which everythingseems perfect, every character looks very pure and without any flaws ordark sides but suddenly you start questioning everyone and later on,every single character starts crumbling down. The world of Meyers isshaken up when he finds out a secret about the intern he is dating,Molly played by Evan Rachel Wood and Morris that he thinks of usingagainst him in order to secure his place in the campaign, he blackmailsMorris but that doesn't help. But instead it is backfired on him. Thismovie perfectly shows what happens behind the curtains, how thesecampaign goes on behind the scene stuff and all the forces involved inthe politics within politics and its big. George Clooney really is amulti tasker and someone who is good at it. I have been quite impressedby him, his abilities and his talent. He crafted one of the best modernday politics movies as far as i can remember which again, doesn't quitefeel like one, the movie is timeless and shows the basic human psychand how the minds works and how far people go to achieve somethings.The Ides Of March has one of the best ensembles this year and everyactor did a good job that boosted the appeal of the movie. GeorgeClooney did a smart decision to do the Mike Morris character himself.He has the appeal and charisma of a leader and a politician and wasvery believable in the character and did a good job throughout themovie. I will say that this is Ryan Gosling's second best performanceof 2011 after Drive. He does benefit from some more dialogue and lessstaring here even though it lacks the whole appeal of his previousperformance. He is a very calm, confident and peaceful character whomight as well feel like living in a fairytale world but not the realitysince he believes everything around him is good. Later on when thingscrumble around him, it doesn't quite feels good or looks good in thefinal acts. That might be a slight flaw as they didn't quite handledthat aspect of the movie very well. But Gosling performed really goodhere too even though Clooney steals the show. I have to say that bothPhilip Seymour Hoffman and Paul Giamatti did a fantastic job as thesupporting characters that are the head campaign managers of theirspecific parties and perfect rivals. Outstanding performances by bothof them specially Hoffman who brings out one of his best performance inthis movie, the way he talks with Meyers is deep where you suspect someunderlying darkness which later proves that he himself is not a goodone too. Evan Rachel Wood yet again gave a excellent performance in thelimited time she is on the screen, she really has been catching myattention lately. Movie also stars Marisa Tomei, Jeffrey Wright and MaxMinghella who did a nice job too.It has a perfect cinematography and photography and is boosted by agood score and art direction. Screenplay is well written though notperfect and with some minor flaws towards the end. The climax doesn'tnecessarily comes off as hitting you or something which aftereverything that happened should have, i believe they didn't quite wrotethe final act very well also the character of Meyer needed some deepwork. Still overall a enjoyable good watch movie that is well craftedand well made.Rating:4/5BFollow My Blog: Hollywoodandme.Blogspot.com