OUR RATING SYSTEM
(*****) = do NOT miss! This one is as good as they come.
(****) = Fantastic - It's worth the price of the ticket (and then some).
(***) = Average - Nothing really bad, nothing really spectacular...
(**) = Perhaps you should find another movie to see.
(*) = The bottom of the barrel. It would be hard to find something less entertaining or more unworthy of your time.



Maureen (Mo) holds a PhD in marine geophysics (Dr. Maureen, to you) and works for the U.S. Geological Survey in Santa Cruz, CA. Maureen enjoys the outdoors (skiing, swimming, hiking, camping), dogs, cooking, singing, getting into (and out of) uncomfortable situations, and most importantly, watching quality movies. She makes a point of seeing as many Oscar-nominated films as possible each year and (correctly) predicting the winners. Her role on this blog is primarily as an advisor, collaborator, and "chime in"-er.

John (Jo) holds a Bachelor's Degree in Nursing, as well as a Bachelor of Arts degree in Film Studies. He currently lives in Chicago, Illinois and works as a nurse. His one true obsession in life is movies... The good, the bad, and everything in between. Other than that, he is busy caring for his cat, painting, writing, exploring Chicago, and debating on whether or not to worship Tilda Swinton as a deity. John is the master and commander and primary author of this blog.

Monday, November 14, 2011

The Ides of March (***1/2)

George Clooney continues to prove himself as an able filmmaker behind the camera. His attention to pacing is subtle and the performances he is able to draw out of his actors (not to mention his own) are astonishing. Yet all the while while watching The Ides of March, I couldn't help but think that maybe this film just barely missed the mark.

George Clooney plays Mike Morris, a Democratic presidential candidate who is battling out a close race for the Ohio primaries. Stephen Meyers is his Junior Campaign Manager, played by Ryan Gosling. Meyers is a determined and unwavering young man who's work is instilled with a sense of pride. Both Morris and the rival candidate are seeking endorsements from an Ohio Senator. Whoever wins the endorsement would essentially win the nomination.

Paul Giamatti, a campaign manager for the other nominee, offers Meyers a job in their campaign, which Meyers insistently refuses. Not wanting to give away much more of the plot, the lead up to the climax is one of complete chaos and misery, for both Meyers as well as his boss, Mike Morris.

The film opens and closes with a concise bookend feel, and the ending note is one of loss and corruption, but the film has a wonderful pull that keeps the audience engaged, even though the majority of the film is simply that of a discussion of politics. The performances are all wonderful, with notable praise going to Ryan Gosling, who explores more darker material than he has in the past. The screenplay is cleverly written and the film is edited fine. But that's just it, it's simply just a 'fine' movie. There is definitely the chance for a few nominations, but to me, this film feels more like a thriller suited for an early Spring release. There, movies don't feel the need to compete to win awards, they simply exist to prove filmmaking can be solid all year round. The Ides of March doesn't strike me as a film that is bound to win a plethora of awards, but that doesn't mean it's any less of a good movie.

(Awards potential: Best Director, Best Actor (Gosling), Best Supporting Actor (Hoffman, Giamatti, Clooney), Best Adapted Screenplay)
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