ViewGuide

Created Oct 24, 2011 07:27PM PST • Edited Oct 24, 2011 07:27PM PST

1. Quality

2. Summary

   Great 4.0

   An all star cast surrounds an up and coming political consultant (Ryan Gosling) who begins his journey as a major Cool-Aid drinker but who eventually is mired deep in political games and dirty tricks. The Ides of March is an appropriately great title as explorations in loyalty is one of the central themes. This is indeed a dramatic thriller which will keep you glued and guessing about what comes next. Solid entertainment!

4. Acting

   Great 4.0

   A tremendous casting job: Ryan Gosling himself plays the part solidly. A do-good approach turns sour. The candidate he serves – George Clooney also knocks it out of the park with a character who you know is just a little too perfect. And, could you find a better yin and yang than Phillip Seymour Hoffman and Paul Giamatti – these two are great as dueling campaign managers. One of my faves – Marissa Tomei has a smaller role – but also fits perfectly as the reporter who’s only loyalty is to her story. Finally, Evan Rachel Wood does her Intern part well, both take-no-prisoners tough and vulnerable as a bunny.

5. Male Stars Great 4.0

6. Female Stars Great 4.0

7. Female Costars Great 4.0

8. Male Costars Great 4.0

10. Film

    Great 4.0

    Top notch dramatic thriller – and you can’t beat the timing.

11. Direction Great 4.0

12. Play Great 4.0

13. Music Great 4.0

14. Visuals Great 4.0
15. Content

16. Edge

    Risqué 1.7

17. Sex Titillating 1.7

18. Violence Fierce 1.7

19. Rudeness Salty 1.7

21. Reality

    Glib 1.5

22. Circumstantial Glib 1.5

23. Biological Glib 1.5

24. Physical Glib 1.5