The Ides of March - 8 stars out of 10

The Ides of March - 8 stars out of 10

Politics have never seemed as interesting as they do in “The Ides of March”!  George Clooney and his writers have struck gold with this excellent story and I absolutely agree with its Oscar nomination for Best Adapted Screenplay.  This exposition of the dark side of political campaigns focuses on the Democratic primary and its no-nonsense players.  The talented ensemble cast makes it difficult to decide who are the good guys and who are the bad guys as both sides deceive and back stab in order to win a few more votes.  Ryan Gosling steals the screen from his peers as he varies between compassionate and cutthroat.  The film offers equally impressive performances from Paul Giamatti and Philip Seymour Hoffman as the brains behind the opposing campaigns.  Director, Producer, and Writer George Clooney also stars as the unsavory Democratic candidate who relies on his team to keep him looking infallible.  The story takes several interesting turns that continually keep you guessing and, despite the dry nature of politics, has the “thriller”-type feel to it.  I walked into this one with skepticism but walked out realizing that it is a must-see.  Don’t stay home - cast your ballot for “The Ides of March”!