Movie #521 ........................."The Ides of March"

Movie #521 "The Ides of March" was a disappointing film to me. I am a HUGE Ryan Gosling fan, and this was one of the worst of his films that I can recall. Why? I couldn't put my finger on just one thing ---- the film has so much going for it --- the actors are all terrific, the film has some good visuals, but the pacing is slow, and bland. Then some turn happens (out of the blue, I felt) and then the pace picks up for a while, but I was left with so many questions, mostly about the characters. Why did they do this? Why did they do that? If this guy is supposed to be so good, he never really shows it..........And it isn't just Gosling's character --- I thought Clooney's character needed more fleshing out, as well. But the biggest problem I have with the film? You don't like anybody --- there isn't anyone to root for. And I know critics (and they really like the film, so I'm in a minority here) say that is the point --- that's the way politics is nowadays............but you are supposed to see a disintegration of a moralist, I think, in the film, and the problem is that you didn't see him doing good things ---- the guy is way up at a young age in the ranks, but we wonder how did he get there? He really doesn't show the charm or smarts that got him anywhere. Lots of holes in the plotline for me, so I don't really recommend it. I'd rather see "Mr. Smith Goes to Washington" --- got more out of that one! And if you want a film that's not corny and idealistic, then rent the Candidate or Bob Roberts. Both tell us how bad politics can be (which is the premise for this particular film!) and you don't leave the theatre so downtrodden as with this one ----




I would rate it 3.8 out of 5 stars
The Ides of March
(2011) R
Dirty tricks stand to soil an ambitious young press spokesman's idealism in a cutthroat presidential campaign where "victory" is relative. The film is inspired by the real-life experiences of an aide who worked on Howard Dean's failed 2004 run.
Genre: Dramas, Political Dramas
This movie is: Cerebral, Dark