The Ides of March (George Clooney) - 2011

Republicans will enjoy this movie more than Democrats.  It reminds me of the John Edwards meltdown after the 2008 primaries with a few twists.  George Clooney is excellent as the liberal candidate and Ryan Gosling is almost believable as Clooney's young, naive aide.  Both are supported by Philip Seymour Hoffman, Paul Giamatti and Marisa Tomei in great character roles.  And, Evan Rachel Wood is delightful as the groupie/staffer.  The story presents politics as a full contact sport with winners and losers but not necessarily any ethical standards.  I like to think that situations shown are the exceptions rather than the rules.  Otherwise, we indeed live in depressing times.  The performances are stellar but the message disconcerting. [JAM 10/9/2011]