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The Ides of March
The Ides of March
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The Ides of March

The Ides of March

2011
Drama
1h 41m
An idealistic staffer for a newbie presidential candidate gets a crash course on dirty politics during his stint on the campaign trail. Based on the play by Beau Willimon. (imdb)

Directed by:

George Clooney

Screenwriter:

George Clooney, Grant Heslov, Beau Willimon

Starring:

Marisa Tomei, Philip Seymour Hoffman, Paul Giamatti, George Clooney, Ryan Gosling, Jeffrey Wright, Gregory Itzin, Evan Rachel Wood, Jennifer Ehle, Max Minghella, Michael Mantell

Genre:

Drama

Country:

USA

Language:

English
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The Ides of March

2011
Drama
1h 41m
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Ratings & Reviews Cast Collections Similar Stats Trailer
Avg Percentile 52.64% from 2934 total ratings
Ratings & Reviews Cast Collections Similar Stats Trailer

Ratings & Reviews

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fredericg54frederic_g54
Rated 27 Oct 2011
7
58th
This film does by no means attempt to establish life-altering values nor does it try to depict something you may not already know but as a fictional account on the shabby politics inherent in presidential campaigns, I found it to be engaging and confidently paced, its cast firing off snappy dialogue-driven exchanges. Hoffman, IMHO frighteningly good in every role he tackles, stands out here; He could sit in a couch and give an hour long monologue about potato chips and I'd watch that shit.
Rated 27 Oct 2011
davidblastDavidBlast
Rated 11 Jan 2012
60
53rd
A borderline naive coming-of-age story. Clooney certainly means well (and Hoffmann and Giamatti certainly does well), but it never escapes being a rather stereotypical and overly dramatic inspection of the wraiths who keep politicians afloat. To inform the general public, 'The Ides of March' will do just fine, but it's never as clever or poignant as it thinks it is.
Rated 11 Jan 2012
kmcneilKMcNeil
Rated 30 Dec 2011
4
32nd
Decent - but it's no The West Wing. Steven's transformation from idealist to realist to cynic is jarringly abrupt and the all-too-neat cyclical plot twists ("oh, see how we got back to the starting line with roles slightly reversed and cynicism maxed out?") prevents this from becoming a classic. Still, it's decently acted, the behind the scenes campaign talks ring true and it of course panders to my bleeding heart socialist tendencies. Perfectly watchable.
Rated 30 Dec 2011
ytadelYtadel
Rated 08 Oct 2011
4
44th
I can respect Clooney and co trying to make an intelligent, unapologetically political film for an adult audience here, but there's major veracity issues. One, the implication that a presidential candidate in America could express a disbelief in god and continue to be a presidential candidate. Two, the notion that two rival campaign managers from the same political party having a conversation would be even remotely important enough to write a newspaper article about, let alone become a scandal.
Rated 08 Oct 2011
overratedoverrated
Rated 08 Dec 2011
57
59th
It's impossible to view this film without being reminded of the disappointment that has followed Obama's election. Where the premise falls short is its simplicity, reducing the nastiness of politics to the fallout from sex scandals and working with people you don't like. Gosling is solid but his character's naivete and rapid subsequent turnaround fails to capture the reality of inertia and complex forces - not to mention the focus on the candidate being a moral rather than an ideological cipher.
Rated 08 Dec 2011
corbadCorbad
Rated 20 Jan 2017
60
31st
A subtle, compelling performance from Ryan Gosling does not save the film from its stilted pacing or underwhelming storyline.
Rated 20 Jan 2017
henrikHenrik
Rated 21 Jan 2012
65
47th
Remarkably, a political George Clooney-thriller as tame as Gorgeous George's own deceased piggy. Great acting keeps the entertainment somewhat steaming though.
Rated 21 Jan 2012
evranaevrana
Rated 05 Nov 2011
91
92nd
A good demonstration of how screwed-up the political processes are right now. It is a story of "how people become jaded" and everybody played their part very well. Clooney squeezed here and there some good political messages too. It also shows how the political system is inherently rigged towards conservatism as superficial morality always rules over the subjects that really count. I hope someday, somewhere someone who does not compromise will win; that will be the day politics will change.
Rated 05 Nov 2011
obdurateObdurate
Rated 09 Oct 2011
75
54th
Ah yes, the seedy world of politiks. But anyway, there was a death in here that I actually was really bothered by. The actors all did a good job and it's kind of like a political Oceans 11 in the sense that it's a bunch of really good actors talkin' smart to one another. I can appreciate that. The political story was first and foremost, but it tackled issues like trust pretty well. I think it's a completely solid movie but I'm not wow'd by it or anything.
Rated 09 Oct 2011
kasperlKasperL
Rated 13 Sep 2011
70
65th
Accessible, perhaps overly so. I can't quite figure out what Clooney is playing at more, making a smart and slick film or trying to make the audience feel smart by always allowing them to be at least one step ahead. The impressive cast is fun to watch and the entertainment level is high up until the final act where the film loses some of its considerable steam.
Rated 13 Sep 2011
luna6ixLuna6ix
Rated 27 May 2022
67
27th
The worst kind of political movie, one that ignores thrilling "what ifs?" and focuses its attention on the realities of corrupted idealism in the political machine hiding behind the idyllic face of (insert candidate here). It's not like the American public is deluded enough to not know that their elected officials are just as morally deficient or selfishly motivated as the public, so I don't see a reason to dramatize all the shit we can see on the nightly news.
Rated 27 May 2022
philamentalphilamental
Rated 02 Feb 2020
74
68th
Solid Political Drama with a great cast. most of whom are on form here. Goes to darker places than I was expecting but still concludes a little predictably. There was a moment in the closing scene where I thought they were going to change it completely which would have been brilliant but they didn't. Still a good movie all the same.
Rated 02 Feb 2020
frederikaFrederikA
Rated 18 Mar 2012
70
67th
As solid a movie as we've come to expect from Clooney in the director's chair, and I really enjoyed the slow, realistic build towards the inevitable dramatic entanglements. Strangely enough the subsequent resolution is so anticlimactic and rushed that the the whole thing ends up little more profound than a "Power Corrupts!" bumper sticker.
Rated 18 Mar 2012
gordonbombayGordonBombay
Rated 18 Jan 2012
75
53rd
Nice to see Gosling back in a role that exploits his special ability do be both naive and scheeming. Gosling is made for political movies. A great thriller with above acting from everybody, but the story has sadly been told too many times before. I don't understand, why all main characters in political movies seem to follow the same narrative arch. Try wathing Wag the Dog from '97 and Primary Colors from '98 if you don't believe me. Can't go in to more details without spoiling it for you.
Rated 18 Jan 2012
chemical404chemical404
Rated 17 Jan 2012
64
69th
Well paced coming-of-age drama set in the world of American politics. Story is solid, characters and acting even more so. Transformation that Gosling's character goes through seems a bit fat fetched, but hey, I was rooting for him the same way I was rooting for that kid in Let The Right One In. Very solid middle-weight film, and way more entertaining than I expected it to be.
Rated 17 Jan 2012
tjekhovTjekhov
Rated 15 Jan 2012
75
79th
As exciting as anything by Hitchcock! An impressive achievement when you consider that the subject of matter is something as boring as the democratic primary election.
Rated 15 Jan 2012
moraesfelipemoraesfelipe
Rated 24 Dec 2011
50
33rd
Clooney directs the greatest cast of the year with plenty of energy -- I love everyone here, from Gosling to Giamatti --, in a vibrant piece of political drama, not always rewarding in its moral issues -- there is this thrilling tone that leaves you entertained, but with little to discuss after viewing it --, but crafted with care and compromise.
Rated 24 Dec 2011
jthuskyjthusky
Rated 24 Nov 2011
65
46th
A by-the-numbers, broad look at politics. Decent performances, but the material's not exactly gripping, and the characters seemed more like caricatures.
Rated 24 Nov 2011
slrsoapboxSlrSoapbox
Rated 20 Nov 2011
75
59th
I liked the performances, and I liked the mise-en-scene which reflected the bleak and gray morality of the film. I kind of wish there was more to the film though, the ending just kind of petered out and left me unsatisfied.
Rated 20 Nov 2011
jack_parsonsjack parsons
Rated 08 Oct 2011
6
27th
This seemed more like a film for the actors to nail some performances, which they did. I had a small problem with the fact that a meeting between two political campaign workers from different camps would create such a large controversy. Overall, a pretty slick and evenly paced political "thriller".
Rated 08 Oct 2011
stradivariusStradivarius
Rated 08 Oct 2011
68
32nd
A lot of build-up with no payoff. As soon as the movie looked like it might get interesting, it leveled off and simply ended. Character is idealistic, becomes victim of cynicism, movie ends. There's about 5 whole minutes of real conflict in the whole thing.
Rated 08 Oct 2011
darknightsDarkNights
Rated 12 Dec 2023
65
56th
Prévisible, et Georges Clooney n'est pas la vedette du film. Tout repose sur le charisme de Ryan Gosling, la coqueluche du cinéma américain, et on comprend pourquoi ici. Il capte avec un jeu précis, plein d'émotions, et un charme magique. Tout le monde devrait aimer Ryan Gosling, je suis sérieux, il le mérite.
Rated 12 Dec 2023
peyrinpeyrin
Rated 01 Apr 2020
60
32nd
Ah, the good old days when scripted politics was more interesting than real-life politics. Bit of a waste to stack the cast with that formidable foursome only for no fireworks between them.
Rated 01 Apr 2020
matthagenmatthagen
Rated 20 Mar 2020
55
63rd
Seen: 2. A solid political drama with a great cast.
Rated 20 Mar 2020
kito1kito1
Rated 13 Sep 2017
60
47th
Not the greatest visionary achievement, but a nice and slim drama.
Rated 13 Sep 2017
nathan_sNathan S
Rated 16 May 2016
3
45th
To scoff at the dirt of electioneering is no great stretch of insight, but this man-in-the-machine thriller is well written, performed, and produced, and so unabashedly cynical that it becomes pretty exciting. Perhaps then it fails to elevate its aim above the same shallow schadenfreude pleasure centers in our brains that real world politicians and media love to target. Oh well, there's some fun to be had rolling around in the mud.
Rated 16 May 2016
amazedemonamazedemon
Rated 21 Feb 2016
61
25th
The Ides of March was a solid disappointment. Hoffman and Giamatti gave good performances on interesting characters, but both take a backseat to Gosling who delivers a bland, thoroughly boring performance. The idea of a disillusioned campaign staffer turning to the "Dark Side" is an interesting one, but the change is too quick, and Gosling doesn't pull it off convincingly. Watch The West Wing instead.
Rated 21 Feb 2016
zealot185Zealot185
Rated 05 Jul 2012
35
14th
Despite the great performances, there are some overly-dramatized plot points that are meant to drive the film, but don't seem to be grounded in reality (which it intends to imitate, by citing and casting today's media figures). LIke user Ytadel wrote, the meeting between rival campaign managers wouldn't get a mention in today's 24/7 media. I'm already cynical about politics, but the message nevertheless fell completely flat on me.
Rated 05 Jul 2012
icarusIcarus
Rated 14 Apr 2012
50
14th
A rather dull examination of the corruptive influence of power and politics, this tragic film offers a bleak vision of the political process, and one that likely rings true to a lot of people on the outside. And while the film is filled with excellent performers, it ultimately ends up as such a slight trifle that I wondered why I even bothered.
Rated 14 Apr 2012
peaceanarchyPeaceAnarchy
Rated 04 Mar 2012
81
64th
Great performances and a gripping and well constructed script. My only complaint is that it felt too cynical. That's a little surprising coming from someone who's pretty cynical, and you have to expect it in a movie about politics, but something about the way it was handled seem off to me.
Rated 04 Mar 2012
sebbysebby
Rated 23 Feb 2012
60
47th
George Clooney and Ryan Gosling engage in a handsome-off the likes of which has not been seen since Jimmy Stewart and Cary Grant graced the screen together in The Philadelphia Story some 70-odd years ago. So who wins this battle of the symmetrical-faced lady-fuckers, you ask? I don't want to spoil anything, but the answer might just SHOCK you. (Hint: It's co-star Paul Giamatti, whose alluring hairless pate can no longer be ignored).
Rated 23 Feb 2012
kojilessKojiless
Rated 10 Feb 2012
88
90th
All the Gosling, none of the driving. This film uncovers the one true threat to America: hawt interns.
Rated 10 Feb 2012
zaezae
Rated 02 Feb 2012
65
36th
Reasonably well crafted, but nothing too special.
Rated 02 Feb 2012
barthalenBarthalen
Rated 10 Jan 2012
61
40th
It's sort of decent, but never pops off the screen. Partly thanks to Gosling, whose character never comes alive and as such couldn't make me care about him. Hoffman and Giamatti are excellent, as always. The film would have benefited from a bigger focus on them.
Rated 10 Jan 2012
pickpocketPickpocket
Rated 03 Dec 2011
8
82nd
A well crafted, interesting, nicely paced film with good performances all around. Gosling's character transformation from optimistic go getter to pessimistic, humorless sellout is a thing of beauty. If you're like me and can't stand politics, don't worry there's enough backstabbing, betrayal, twists and turns to keep you entertained. If the plot was a bit stronger this could've been a masterpiece.
Rated 03 Dec 2011
derekstarDerekstar
Rated 15 Nov 2011
70
50th
I wanted a lot more from this movie. It's not saying anything revolutionary. Everyone instinctively already knows these things. The political process corrupts, blah blah blah. The Ides of March is either the best made for TV movie of 2011, or the worst Oscar bait. I can't decide which.
Rated 15 Nov 2011
filliganFilligan
Rated 12 Oct 2011
92
85th
One of the best films to come out in a while. Gosling headlines a brilliant cast, each of them performing at the top of their game, and still manages to shine the brightest. As someone who was glued to CNN during the 2008 Presidential election (and likely will be for this incoming one), much of the exhaustive cynicism rings true. As a documentary, this would depress me, but because it's a drama, I'm left feeling satisfied from an excellently-told story. Good stuff.
Rated 12 Oct 2011
ericamblerericambler
Rated 07 Apr 2023
68
40th
It isn't a lack of verisimilitude that holds THE IDES OF MARCH back from the ranks of classic political thrillers, but a deficit of bite and tension - it simmers when it should boil. Behind-closed-doors backstabbing seems somewhat quaint post-Trump, but it's excellently acted by an all-star cast.
Rated 07 Apr 2023
kadikoykadikoy
Rated 19 Jun 2019
70
75th
Seçim oyunları. Ryan Gosling'in başrolünde oynadığı Philip Seymour Hoffman'ı özleyip izlediğimiz bir politik seçim kampanyası filmi. Ohio valisini başkan yapmaya çalışan demokratlar ile cumhuriyetçiler arasında sıkı rekabet. Her türlü kanunsuzluk da filme eklenmiş. Satılık medya, saçma provokasyonlar ve çarpık ilişkiler ilgi çektiriyor. Filmin sonunda 2 seçim çalışanı arasındaki hırs savaşı kazananı belirliyor. Herşey çok güzel olacak.
Rated 19 Jun 2019
burrrburrr
Rated 29 May 2018
78
48th
77.50+.50 = 78.00.
Rated 29 May 2018
spaceflohspacefloh
Rated 19 Feb 2018
60
58th
ger; [Ides of March - Tage des Verrats]; im politik-krimi gibt es viele intrigen und eine harte wahrheit, welche der chef der medienkampange verarbeiten muss.;
Rated 19 Feb 2018
ikkegoemikkeikkegoemikke
Rated 13 Feb 2018
49
27th
More reviews here : http://movie-freak.be
Rated 13 Feb 2018
jbynjbyn
Rated 19 Mar 2017
77
59th
+ acting +pacing
Rated 19 Mar 2017
drrobertdr_Robert
Rated 26 Feb 2017
4
77th
Bra film om maktkamper, som lika gärna kunde ha varit en maffiafilm eller ett krönikedrama (om den hade varit mer våldsam). Mitt främsta bekymmer är väl egentligen att politik faktiskt är något mer än maktbegär och att den här typen av ständigt återkommande reduktionism föder cynism och lättja hos den som ser den. Detta gör att det saknas ett lyft som skulle ha gjort en god film till en riktigt bra film.
Rated 26 Feb 2017
arossaross
Rated 21 Nov 2016
68
32nd
just an alright movie and a slight waste of two big stars
Rated 21 Nov 2016
agentsnipeAgentSnipe
Rated 16 Aug 2016
81
74th
Has some good dialogue and it's well acted, but the story's twists are either too cynical or too predictable. It's a story about the dirty world politics, so you would expect some cynicism, but this film ultimately feels slightly dour.
Rated 16 Aug 2016
armilioArmilio
Rated 13 Jan 2015
70
63rd
A really good political drama/thriller. does not avoid cliches - or, better, the genre 'topos' - but it use them well. Gosling, Hoffman, Cloney, great cast and great performances.
Rated 13 Jan 2015
duderDuder
Rated 02 Nov 2014
65
59th
Decent acting, decent directing, decent film. Show you how useless politics are.
Rated 02 Nov 2014
lookjabbaLookJabba...
Rated 14 Oct 2014
7
57th
The Ides of March is an interesting political drama but I wanted and expected so much more from it. The screenplay is easy on the ears and George Clooney's overall direction is impressive as always. But it just doesn't quite pack the punch I anticipated and I was left a little underwhelmed. However the films saving grace is the stellar array of acting talents with Ryan Gosling, George Clooney, Phillip Seymour Hoffman & Paul Giamatti all giving strong, interesting and engaging performances.
Rated 14 Oct 2014
equivokeequivoke
Rated 12 Oct 2014
85
41st
The art for this film represents one of the cleverest uses of two typical American Caucasian male faces I can recall. The plot is a L'Alpe D'uez of switchbacks, the dialog sharp, as in Redford's similar, The Candidate.
Rated 12 Oct 2014
matthew_parkinsonMatthew Parkinson
Rated 03 Sep 2014
80
89th
To call The Ides of March a "very good" movie is not really doing it justice. I can't really think of any negatives when it comes to watching it. The only people I can see being turned off it are people who hate hearing about politics, but the film plays to those kinds of people anyway given its criticism of the system. This is a smart movie with an intelligent screenplay, precise editing, great acting and with a purposefully provided point. Give it a watch.
Rated 03 Sep 2014
zipsterZipster
Rated 11 Aug 2014
80
50th
Clooney as director, "Part Frank Capra, part Michael Mann" as admirably well-described by Salon.com, is a discreet craftsman with mature cinematic instincts and New Hollywood prudence of allowing his actors to move the narrative. And the line-up is outstanding as you'd expect from them, as they navigate a world of lingo-loaded, confrontational dialogue and the overcast, springtime Cincinnati streets I've grown up loving.
Rated 11 Aug 2014
bagarbjorneBagarbjorne
Rated 30 Jun 2014
65
64th
I'm not American and don't know too much about their politics, the movie is entertaining enough though and the cast is great.
Rated 30 Jun 2014
driscarpindriscarpin
Rated 03 Feb 2014
59
29th
Em honra de Philip Seymor Hoffman. O pior filme do Clooney, a atmosfera política não ajuda.
Rated 03 Feb 2014
fra_paolofra paolo
Rated 26 Dec 2013
42
40th
Heavy-handed political drama that lacks the sardonic wit political dramas need for greatness.
Rated 26 Dec 2013
damildamil
Rated 01 Dec 2013
70
67th
I don't usually find politics very interesting, but there are certainly films and TV shows that make it amazing. This isn't quite one of them, but it was pretty solid. I really don't have much to critique about it. All of the performances were good. It might have been better in the hands of a different director and writer, but as it is, everything is totally competent.
Rated 01 Dec 2013
martrynmartryn
Rated 11 Oct 2013
75
64th
I like Ryan Gosling, but he really doesn't seem to act. His character is basically the same in every film he's in. The movie itself is mediocre to alright.
Rated 11 Oct 2013
maxwax123maxwax123
Rated 24 Sep 2013
80
35th
high average
Rated 24 Sep 2013
robertaRoberta
Rated 17 Jun 2013
78
66th
Have I ever mentioned how much I love Ryan Gosling's work and George Clooney's politics? No? I love both and if you do too. Watch this.
Rated 17 Jun 2013
nick-hamdenNick Hamden
Rated 03 Jun 2013
80
77th
Pretty great acting from some pretty great actors.
Rated 03 Jun 2013
weafdogWeafdog
Rated 12 May 2013
39
55th
Great casting, good acting, of course. There are many films that telegraph the ending, and we have fun watching them, e.g. All the President's Men, the Goonies, and The Karate Kid. I enjoyed watching the performances in this one, but I knew, way too soon, that E.T. was phoning for home.
Rated 12 May 2013
nimnonimno
Rated 16 Mar 2013
85
82nd
This is a must-see for a political junkie like me. There were so many great performances including an awesome Philip Seymour Hoffman who had a commanding presence. Jeffrey Wright's role was an interesting and important part and it is not hard to imagine that kind of hardball behind-the-scenes politicking taking place in the real world.
Rated 16 Mar 2013
sboshSbosh
Rated 17 Feb 2013
67
27th
I had high expectations, but the story of dirty politics was poor and too cliché.
Rated 17 Feb 2013
freqflyerfreqflyer
Rated 13 Jan 2013
80
55th
Decent, if a bit predictable and slow moving, drama about the ugliness of politics.
Rated 13 Jan 2013
theescapistTheEscapist
Rated 12 Jan 2013
75
77th
Very enjoyable film that, thanks to numerous twists and strong performances, keeps you entertained throughout.
Rated 12 Jan 2013
danastevensdanastevens
Rated 30 Nov 2012
50
28th
Despite across-the-board bravura performances (especially by Philip Seymour Hoffman and Paul Giamatti as dueling campaign managers), The Ides of March somehow remains static and lifeless, like a civics-class diorama.
Rated 30 Nov 2012
ev19ev19
Rated 24 Nov 2012
94
85th
Although I am not a fan of this type of movies, I can say it is quite enjoyable. Ryan Gosling is probably the young edition of George Clooney, and there is a lot of chemistry between the two. The cast in general is good, the story is decent and there are no flaws in it.
Rated 24 Nov 2012
ratedarghratedargh
Rated 24 Nov 2012
70
44th
Great supporting performances. Gosling is fine but kind of flat and so is the overall story. It is interesting to see how something as innocuous as having a sit down conversation can be perceived as something much more compromising. Cynical and dark in how it peels back the sheen to reveal the ugly underbelly of human nature. Still, it suffers from having a point but little in the form of narrative.
Rated 24 Nov 2012
kingjohnbbqKingjohnbbq
Rated 17 Nov 2012
76
28th
ultimately, i enjoyed the movie, it was pretty good suspense, but its not a movie that you'd ever want to watch again after the initial viewing
Rated 17 Nov 2012
gokcanzgokcanz
Rated 26 Oct 2012
72
63rd
* Casting, Acting : 7 * Script : 8 * Directing, Aura : 7 * Ease of Viewing : 7 * Naked Eye : 7
Rated 26 Oct 2012
age_jellemaAge Jellema
Rated 13 Oct 2012
77
63rd
Very well acting by Gosling and Hoffman. Nice script with some twists, fun to watch.
Rated 13 Oct 2012
vn1xVN1X
Rated 24 Sep 2012
70
53rd
An unsuspenseful thriller directed by mister charming himself. It does what it needs to do without overstaying its welcome. Ryan Gosling does by-the-book acting but not any worse than Clooney. Just go along for the ride and try to enjoy it while you can. There are certainly much worse low-brow thrillers out there.
Rated 24 Sep 2012
karakandKarakand
Rated 22 Sep 2012
55
85th
Rotiart is traitor spelled backwards.
Rated 22 Sep 2012
reversereverse
Rated 14 Aug 2012
75
61st
A well-acted and well-directed political drama. The plot about idealism versus Machiavellianism is not exactly ground-braking, but interesting and involving.
Rated 14 Aug 2012
woozybWoozyB
Rated 14 Aug 2012
80
60th
A fairly smart drama with turns of a thriller, but with political campaigns as your setting, there's only so much you can do.
Rated 14 Aug 2012
friendo55friendo55
Rated 09 Aug 2012
87
74th
Very well acted by the entire cast. Not sure how much I'll remember from it in terms of plot and payoff, but it was very good.
Rated 09 Aug 2012
achayanAchayan
Rated 09 Jul 2012
70
37th
I expected much more, might be due to the cast. After Barnney, its hard to see Paul Giamatti in such a role when he could do so much better. Great cast but the story is nothing new (its not a fresh angle to say the least).
Rated 09 Jul 2012
carbo_kenCarbo-Ken
Rated 11 Jun 2012
70
45th
"The dirty business of politics" is a bit of yesterdays news from Clooney, but he makes up for the shallow familiarity by teaming up with charming friends from the hills of Hollywood.
Rated 11 Jun 2012
xacviantxacviant
Rated 05 Jun 2012
75
37th
Exactly what motivated George Clooney to make this political drama (based on an apparently unremarkable play) is unclear; it feels pretty familiar (certainly it breaks no new ground), especially to anyone who's seen PRIMARY COLORS, while a major revelation halfway through is a bit of a groaner. Still, it's very well made for what it is, with strong performances from Ryan Gosling, Clooney, Paul Giamatti, and Philip Seymour Hoffman, solid directing, and a good measure of suspense in the third act.
Rated 05 Jun 2012
ryan_luedersRyan Lueders
Rated 05 Jun 2012
85
73rd
Directed by George Clooney, written by George Clooney and sort of starring George Clooney... this is Clooney's very own pet project. I felt like once good ol' George got to air out his own grievances in the American Political system and he got to offer his own questionable suggestions and was able to move on with the story, this movie finally got really good. Gosling, Hoffman, Giamatti and Wood were the real star power in this. Great political drama, I wanted even more at the end. Good film.
Rated 05 Jun 2012
abunchofcatsABUNCHOFCATS
Rated 27 May 2012
84
62nd
Another surprisingly good tour from Gosling and Clooney being awesome as ever. The movie is fairly deliberate in its pacing but the buildup and the ending are fantastic and its awesome watching these two play off of each other.
Rated 27 May 2012
mlightle3mlightle3
Rated 21 Apr 2012
85
70th
It's hard to make a truly thrilling political drama, but Clooney comes close. Gosling's better as a less normal man.
Rated 21 Apr 2012
kingofjewkingofjew
Rated 17 Apr 2012
69
31st
Clooney cant help again with his political mambo jumbo. Tho i loved Good night and Good luck, this movie just felt a litl out of touch. Too much political talk and less good story, and thats what its all about ladies and gents. Tho it had plenty of good acting from the entire cast ( and what a cast! ) , good directing and decent scripting , something still felt missing. That and it got a bit boring at parts. For the Clooney/politics fans.
Rated 17 Apr 2012
andreasthauAndreasThau
Rated 11 Apr 2012
80
77th
Ryan Gosling is the modern version of James Dean. Handsome, clever, sweet, misunderstood... with a rage inside. He doesn't mind beating people to death, nor have sex, nor just ... be awesome and cool. Also, this is a good film in many other ways.
Rated 11 Apr 2012
actionbergActionberg
Rated 10 Apr 2012
60
28th
This is essentially an old kind of story about politics filtered through the unprecedented recent history of Obama's success as the "perfect" candidate. It's full of plenty of great actors but the script is far too standard to have them do anything great with it. It's like a Pakula thriller without the same directional flair or Gordon Willis' masterful cinematography. It's ultimately not that memorable; Clooney's done better with far less grandiosity and blatancy.
Rated 10 Apr 2012
spanksSpanks
Rated 07 Apr 2012
90
94th
Clooney's finest film to date. Had my blood pressure skyrocketing the entire way.
Rated 07 Apr 2012
okkervilOkkervil
Rated 06 Apr 2012
71
70th
The cast are the main attraction here. Watching Giamatti, PSH and Clooney, three of my favourite actors all perform was an absolute treat. I was close to a total mangasm! Gosling leads the film well, and Clooney again proves himself to be a slick, compact and efficient director. He wisely largely focuses on politics itself rather than party ideology. It's smart, pessimistic, & well written, but this movies limitations are summed up nicely by overrated in their review.
Rated 06 Apr 2012
delizdeliz
Rated 05 Apr 2012
67
18th
Don't believe the hype.
Rated 05 Apr 2012
sunhushinsunhushin
Rated 04 Apr 2012
75
52nd
Gosling and Clooney, two people who's charm could win over the virgin Mary in the same movie. Couldn't have been bad right? It wasn't.
Rated 04 Apr 2012
calexicoCalexico
Rated 01 Apr 2012
80
66th
Awesome movie. Love Gosling and Hoffman. The characters seem to be a little shallow and lacking in proper development, but the film is still very intriguing and stylish.
Rated 01 Apr 2012
rosvallrosvall
Rated 31 Mar 2012
55
40th
Meh
Rated 31 Mar 2012
maakalmaakal
Rated 23 Mar 2012
70
36th
It was pretty good... I just kept expecting to go somewhere more exciting, and that never happened.
Rated 23 Mar 2012
bharathbharath
Rated 22 Mar 2012
70
57th
A political drama that has some really strong cast. Considering the cast I expected a lot from this film felt a bit disappointed. I felt the story could have been better. The saving grace was the performance by the cast which kept the movie pace up. A better story would have made this movie significantly better and must watch.
Rated 22 Mar 2012
mattorama12mattorama12
Rated 11 Mar 2012
76
80th
I somehow feel compelled to use the phrase "taut political thriller" in my review. Anyway, very engaging and well-paced with impressive performances all around. That I wasn't annoyed by Paul Giamatti speaks volumes.
Rated 11 Mar 2012
3drevelation3dRevelation
Rated 10 Mar 2012
76
69th
I expected a bit more from this film with a cast like this, but the film is certainly watchable. Too many people seem to have focused on the politics, while I didn't find it to be that heavy. It ends up being a nice depiction of how I'd imagine the inner workings of campaign management would work. I thought the acting would be stronger, but PSH shows he can shine in even a limited role. Not quite as strong as Clooney's other directorial efforts, but I don't regret seeing it.
Rated 10 Mar 2012
timon88Timon88
Rated 04 Mar 2012
71
66th
Slick, tawdry flick, barely competently made. Still, it's rather fun for political geeks, and Philip Seymour Hoffman is his usual wonderful. Ryan Gosling could use an elocution class or two... he manages to be rather likable with no apparent acting craft whatsoever.
Rated 04 Mar 2012
cagedwisdomcagedwisdom
Rated 29 Feb 2012
75
65th
I liked it, but not nearly enough, and as such I confess myself disappointed. Aaron Sorkin has for ever set the bar way too high for any political fiction as far as I'm concerned. Good performances, and the narrative was compelling in very unexpected ways, particularly towards the end.
Rated 29 Feb 2012
caimancaiman
Rated 28 Feb 2012
85
79th
I get a real sense of "yeah, tell me something I don't know" when all is said and done. But that's okay. While the message may not be too insightful, the story is enthralling (if a bit predictable at times) and the acting and characterization are top notch. I could watch Clooney, Gosling and Hoffman sitting at a table talking about the stock market for two hours and I'd be enamored.
Rated 28 Feb 2012
pzinggpzingg
Rated 28 Feb 2012
83
35th
As much as I admire the political message about greed, ambition and the architecture of betrayal, I didn't find that this one survived the stage-to-screen transition as well as it could have. Giamatti and Hoffman, however, give great performances.
Rated 28 Feb 2012
antaresAntares
Rated 27 Feb 2012
64
36th
Maybe it's just me, but I like my political films to have a little bit of bite to them. And that is what is sadly missing from this film. It's all a little too neat and the story just doesn't suck you in the way a good political drama should. Philip Seymour Hoffman and Paul Giamatti are great as usual, but the other actors are pretty blah and seem to be just going through the motions. Maybe this is what Clooney was looking for, but it makes for a rather ho hum film.
Rated 27 Feb 2012

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