THE IDES OF MARCH
RYAN: George Clooney’s latest achievement is just that. I loved this movie.
CAROLINE: I’m so bummed I didn’t get to see it with you. I’m still on mommy duty and this was one I surely didn’t want to miss. Tell me all about it.
RYAN: It’s a really intriguing political drama with a couple good twists and terrific performances.
CAROLINE: Well I figured that was a given, except for maybe Evan Rachel Wood who, let’s be honest, is a lightweight in the company of Paul Giamatti, Philip Seymour Hoffman, Marisa Tomei and Clooney.
RYAN: You know I thought the same thing and at the start of the movie she was rather standard but she really pulled off an impressive performance later in the film.
CAROLINE: Oh nice. I’m glad of it.
RYAN: [laughs’ And I could see Paul or PhilSey getting an acting nod from this movie. Not so much for Clooney… maybe a directing nod if the rest of the film does well but his role is pretty straightforward.
CAROLINE: And what about the hotness that is Ryan Gosling?
RYAN: He’s really the star of this and it’s definitely one of his finest performances. It’s a clever and well written film. I loved the moments where you think it was going in one direction and then something else happened – satisfying and unpredictable.
CAROLINE: That is fun.
RYAN: The score is also pretty good and it’s a great length. It’s really sort of kicking off Oscar season for me since it has so many academy darlings and was also so engaging.
CAROLINE: That’s such a relief, since we hated when Clooney directed Good Night and Good Luck.
RYAN: G’luck! True – but we both liked Leatherheads so he’s two for three.
CAROLINE: Okay, I’ll give him that; all from the guy from TV’s The Facts of Life.
RYAN: [laughs’ Kids today don’t even get that reference.
CAROLINE: Honey, don’t I know it!
RYAN: This is a great, suspenseful drama that’s worth shelling out for.
— RATING —
TM October 12, 2011
Just caught this today. Glad I did. Such a great story and although the vast majority of us will never run a national campaign, I found Gosling's character so relatable. I was able to put myself in his shoes, know what I mean? As good as Gosling is, I give credit to the writers (of which Clooney was one too!).I didn't know Clooney directed it going in, but there were some beautifully shot scenes. The SUV outside the barbershop comes to mind.Good to see you mention the score too. If there's a political thriller that doesn't use a snare drum marching beat anywhere, I don't want to see it!