ViewGuide

Created Oct 06, 2012 10:36AM PST • Edited Oct 06, 2012 10:36AM PST

1. Quality

2. Summary

   Good 3.0

   A very entertaining way to learn about a key part of American history, the birth and maturity of the FBI under the passionate and controlling J Edgar Hoover. From his start as fighting radical behavior and communism, to orchestrating takedowns in big-ticket crime capers, J Edgar’s vision was a never tiring driving force that shaped the bureau in to what it is today by always pushing boundaries and steadfastly refusing politics. Bureau aside, this also highlighted some very interesting personalities. Was J Edgar gay? The movie leads you to believe this via the relationship to his right-hand-man Clyde Tolson. Undying loyalty? The beautiful and firm portrayal of Helen Gandy leads you to believe that she was married to the firm. Mama’s boy? With a strong personality of mom Anne – it is no surprise, and not necessarily a bad thing. All in all, J Edgar was a pleasing interpretation of J Edgar’s life that is worth a watch. Just be warned, it drags on just a little.

4. Acting

   Good 3.0

   Leonardo DiCaprio – Really good as J Edgar; Equally adept as both the younger and older version.
   Armie Hammer – Good job as the straight laced and effeminate assistant Clyde Tolson;
   Naomi Watts – Not a strong acting presence, but nonteless decent as J Edgar’s personal secretary Helen Gandy
   Judi Dench – outstanding as J Edgar’s mother Annie

5. Male Stars Good 3.0

6. Female Stars Good 3.0

7. Female Costars Good 3.0

8. Male Costars Good 3.0

10. Film

    Good 3.0

    Clint Eastwood directs a film that doesn’t match up IMHO to the punch delivered by his others, but his trademark study of character is hard to miss.

11. Direction Good 3.0

12. Play Good 3.0

13. Music Good 3.0

14. Visuals Good 3.0
15. Content

16. Edge

    Risqué 1.6

17. Sex Titillating 1.6

18. Violence Fierce 1.6

19. Rudeness Salty 1.6

21. Reality

    Glib 1.4

22. Circumstantial Glib 1.4

23. Biological Glib 1.4

24. Physical Glib 1.4