Waste of time

Each character in this movie — down to the smallest one — is an individual rather than a type, prone to spontaneous changes of mood and sometimes amusing outbursts of pettiness or ill humor.

After playing with our expectations, this turns out to be a very different sort of film.

The thing I enjoyed most about the film is the fact that it doesn't shy away from being a super-sized-cliche;

Democrats vs Republicans. Honestly surprised we don't have more films about political debates! The reason why I compared this to chess was due to the intelligent methodology that these campaigns used against each other. A glimpse into the inner workings of a political campaign and how simply one mistake could cost a senator the presidential seat. Acknowledging every move your opponent makes and having to predict what they will do. Most importantly though, this is a film about loyalty and how it is the most important trait to acquire in the world of politics. Believing in an idealism even if the man representing that ideology is not entirely innocent or perfect. This is George Clooney's baby; he directed, wrote, produced and starred in the film...I was mightily impressed. The political sub-genre is a guilty pleasure of mine and really showcases some excellent concise screenplays. It's no different here, I was captivated from start to end. A talented and likeable cast certainly helped, particularly Ryan Gosling who just keeps on excelling in every role he gets. Hoffman, Clooney, Giamatti, Tomei...the list goes on and every one of them gives a cold stern performance. Politics is harsh and the screenplay really hones in on campaigns doing anything they can to win. Corruption, persuasion, blackmailing...the brutal reality of politics have negative effects on campaigners, so much so that their lives could potentially be destroyed. Absolutely fascinating, although slightly hyperbolic. I did find the ending slightly underwhelming and frustrating, probably because it's the ending I didn't want. However, this is utterly enthralling with a tight script and excellent cast. I would like to live in a world where George Clooney runs for president. Make it happen.

Some politically-inclined films focus on the individual politicians themselves. Others deal more with the issues embedded within the rhetoric. "The Ides of March", however, takes a bit of a new approach to the genre by focusing almost solely on the machinations taking place "behind the scenes" of a political campaign for office.For a basic plot summary, "Ides" deals primarily with Stephen Myers (Ryan Gosling), who is working on the campaign of presidential-hopeful Mike Morris (George Clooney). With the campaign seemingly headed in the right direction, Myers suddenly finds himself involved with a girl (Evan Rachel Wood), at odds with his boss (Philip Seymour Hoffman), and even being recruited by the opposing candidate's top campaign man (Paul Giamatti). Much emotion and many moral quandaries ensue.The hallmark of this film is that it is always one step ahead of the viewer. You might think you know what the plot and characters are heading towards, but it never quite turns out that way. I can't even categorize this film style as "twists & turns", but rather just out-thinking the audience. "Ides" seems to know exactly what you will be thinking, and then challenges that notion.The pacing is very good as well. Never, while viewing, did I feel bored or want things to "pick up". "Ides" did a remarkable job of telling a story not especially inherent with action, yet making it an explosive film nonetheless. Director Clooney likely deserves a good share of the credit for this.Of course, it only helps that the cast is star-studded, to say the least. Gosling keeps proving (time and again in 2011!) that he is every bit a leading man, while Clooney and the rest are all at their best. Each cast member adds a little something different to the overall puzzle.Overall, I consider "The Ides of March" to be a great political film. Admittedly, I am a sucker for such cinema, but about the only negative thing I can say about the experience was that I wished it were longer...the film ends so abruptly that you really never see it coming! Other than that, though, this movie will keep you engaged and make you think about its topics.

The movie shows that at the end you have to do what you have to do to save yourself. You might have the best interest in heart but when others around you play you then it's time to start thinking about yourself. While I think this message is transmitted clearly enough through the story line of the movie, the story moves forward quite slowly for my taste. There are a lot of scenes where the dialogue between characters is mundane. With regards to acting, I am not impressed by Ryan Gosling. He comes across as cold and fails to transmit emotions in situations when for example he feels betrayed and played. George Clooney does a great job in impersonating presidential speeches but beyond that he delivered a mediocre performance as well. Overall, I find the movie to be a bit unrealistic and overly simplified in terms of how the character of Stephen Meyers achieved his revenge. When I feel that I have wasted almost two hours when a movie ends, then I know that I didn't like the movie very much and that was the case with this one.

George Clooney plays a governor who is running for President. He is one of two serious candidates for the Democratic nomination. He is a bit too good to be true. He is adamant about the standard liberal issues and won't back down on them. Ryan Gosling plays his number two man along with campaign manager Philip Seymour Hoffman. One day Gosling makes a serious error. He goes to see the campaign manager of the other candidate. This is an absolute no no. His head is on the block. During this time he has a quick tryst with the daughter of the Democratic National Committee. She gives him a bit of information that could throw things into the septic system. Meanwhile, he is fired. Wanting his job back, he acts. This is really dirty politics and probably the kind of thing that is done behind the scenes all the time. Not a great political drama, but still very engaging.