Top flight political-intrigue flick with stylized politico banter going on between major and minor players in the plot. Philip Seymour Hoffman stands out head 'n shoulders above others in his portrayal, while Ryan Gosling, yet again, sleep-walks thru most of his scenes - until the bells go off in his head that he's been tragically played. Then - he finally starts acting... and manages to salvage his credibility in the role - and helps the film make sense, in the end. George Clooney, for once, made me believe in his performance... maybe because he also directed and co-wrote the scripted political 'snake-pit' that is at the heart of this film. And if anyone doesn't buy what happens here - believe me... it happens all the time! Note to voisjoe 1 - "So what do we do now?!"...check out Robert Redford's THE CANDIDATE (1972) if you think this flick's the best political campaign movie out there...

I was expecting so much more from this. Just a mediocre script, barely holding the film together. Rachel Wood is appropriately last named, she is a two dimensional actor. And I couldn't believe that someone wouldn't have chemistry with Ryan Gosling! And I will not give anything away, but the twists and turns are barely bends.

This movie had a great lesson about how politics can ruin even the most honest people.

Excellent movie that delves into the backstage intrigues and deal-making during a campaign. It had a perfect combination of talented actors performing at their best, creating cynical tension without panic - Ryan Gosling, Paul Giamatti, Philip Seymour Hoffman. Ryan Gosling gave a particularly stellar performance and shows us he has come of age as a serious, dramatic actor. George Clooney again showed his talent as a director. The pace of this movie was exceptional, moving through steadily without feeling rushed. Cinematography was well-done, adding to the intimacy and drama. Highly recommended.

Decent acting and production, but, unfortunately, the idea that politicians and the people behind them are corrupt is no longer enough, by itself, to justify the movie. So, by the end, when little else happens, it's rather disappointing.

Just like in Julius Caesar, during the Ides of March, a political friend leads to a downfall. This is probably the best movie about a political campaign. The story is gripping and seems to give an inside look into the campaign. We even get a refresher course on Doctor Faustus. Gosling, Clooney, Hoffman, tomei, Wood and Giamatti are all at the top of their game. Made more current and real by having real political news commentators from MSNBC and CNN keeping us informed about what is going on.

I give Clooney a chance over and over yet I'm always left with the same feeling - that his acting is flat, bland and wooden. I feel the same could be said for this movie which he wrote and directed. As a man he has merit but as an artist I don't see any there there.

Good - The Ides of March (2011) 101 min. In reviewing The Ides of March, what came to mind is to write about what the film is versus what it isn’t. What it isn’t is an account of a senator vying for the presidency and what he truly believes in with respect to the economy, abortion, health care, etc. What the film tries to be is an expose on the inner bowels of campaigning in America. Personally, there’s nothing better than listening to someone’s ideals and having others argue the points. And this it does rather well using top notch actors in the process. The interesting aspect of the film is how George Clooney’s senator character takes a liberal stand on most issues and how that approach, in and of itself, works against him. Fine film with a fine cast – how we trust any politician out there is beyond me.

CLOONEY IS OVERATED AS A DIRECTOR AND ACTOR. GOD AWFUL MOVIE WITH CONSTANT F- BOMBS. MOVIE WAS SO BORING I MADE PHONE CALLS WHILE IT RAN. PROBABLY A CLOSE PARALLEL TO WHAT OUR POLITICAL ESTABLISHMENT IS ALL ABOUT.. IT'S ALL A GAME.

Decent movie, but not anything outstanding. As a political thriller, I found several key plot points simply contrived and not very credible. But fun to see Clooney the candidate spew out issues and solutions that reflect on current events.