Ides of March, The MPAA Rating: R Entertainment: +3 Content: -4

Ryan Gosling, George Clooney, Philip Seymour Hoffman, Paul Giamatti, Marisa Tomei, Jeffrey Wright, Evan Rachel Wood. Screenplay by George Clooney & Grant Heslov and Beau Willimon. Directed by George Clooney.



FILM SYNOPSIS: The Ides of March takes place during the frantic last days before a heavily contested Ohio presidential primary, when an up-and-coming campaign press secretary (Ryan Gosling) finds himself involved in a political scandal that threatens to upend his Democrat candidate’s shot at the presidency.

PREVIEW REVIEW: If you think a conservative, Bible-toting Republican will be the good guy, well, what movies have you been seeing these past four decades? But while the Republican Party is the big bad wolf lying in wait, our brothers across the aisle fare no better, for this film concerns the struggle in man as he faces his inner character. And as we all know, there are fallen hypocrites presently littering both sides of the pathway to 1600 Pennsylvania Ave.

The Ides of March looks at the corruption of power and in no other arena is the corruption of power more evident than the political one. The film reveals two things that bring the fall of so many – the lure of the power – and, of course, sex. When all else fails, Satan uses the opposite sex to destroy a family, an occupation, and an ideal.

The scandal in this film is of a sexual nature and it leads to deceit, betrayal and even suicide.

It is a well-made film, with the best of Hollywood taking a part in showing this hidden beast that often manipulates the race for the top. It’s also the most cynical film you will see this year or perhaps any other. After viewing this film, you’ll always wonder if he means it when a politician says, “God bless you. And God bless the United States of America.”

Preview Reviewer: Phil Boatwright
Distributor: Sony Pictures Releasing