Democrats vs Republicans. Honestly surprised we don't have more films about political debates! The reason why I compared this to chess was due to the intelligent methodology that these campaigns used against each other. A glimpse into the inner workings of a political campaign and how simply one mistake could cost a senator the presidential seat. Acknowledging every move your opponent makes and having to predict what they will do. Most importantly though, this is a film about loyalty and how it is the most important trait to acquire in the world of politics. Believing in an idealism even if the man representing that ideology is not entirely innocent or perfect. This is George Clooney's baby; he directed, wrote, produced and starred in the film...I was mightily impressed. The political sub-genre is a guilty pleasure of mine and really showcases some excellent concise screenplays. It's no different here, I was captivated from start to end. A talented and likeable cast certainly helped, particularly Ryan Gosling who just keeps on excelling in every role he gets. Hoffman, Clooney, Giamatti, Tomei...the list goes on and every one of them gives a cold stern performance. Politics is harsh and the screenplay really hones in on campaigns doing anything they can to win. Corruption, persuasion, blackmailing...the brutal reality of politics have negative effects on campaigners, so much so that their lives could potentially be destroyed. Absolutely fascinating, although slightly hyperbolic. I did find the ending slightly underwhelming and frustrating, probably because it's the ending I didn't want. However, this is utterly enthralling with a tight script and excellent cast. I would like to live in a world where George Clooney runs for president. Make it happen.

Apparently this movie is highly nerve-racking & very enticing. The work of art show cased by Ryan Gosling is remarkably outstanding. His plain faced reactions make it obvious that politics is dirty business & not for the saints. I had this movie in my watch list for quite a long time & having seen it finally made me realize how competitive it gets between Democrats & Republicans in the United States.Its a decent watch for those that adore politics & want to consider taking Public Relations as their college majors. Personally, after following the recent elections, I was compelled to watch this movie & boy I'm glad of this wonderful decision. Although, at certain point I kind'a grew a certain dislike for the character played by George Clooney. Nevertheless, a worthy flick.

The Ides of March starring Ryan Gosling and George Clooney. Though many of the trailers have been quite misleading once watching the film. This is Ryan Gosling's film (as the clear lead), he is enthralling as the PR man who, despite his shrewdness, is blinded by the boss's charm. Through the film, soon enough, the bombshell drops and it's lead actress (Evan Rachel Wood). Trouble is, she just happens to be the girl who Gosling has been getting cozy with. The pace quickens as he weighs up his loyalties to the governor and the girl, as well as getting pushed and pulled between rival campaign managers (Paul Giamatti and Philip Seymour Hoffman). The acting is heavyweight, as are the moral questions about the personal cost of serving the greater good, which propel the story with an unstoppable force. The film works due to several twists and turns throughout and there is great suspense.

Overall, this movie is good, and a one time watch, but it has a weird leftover taste to it, which doesn't settle. There just is something that with this movie that doesn't make one give it more than 3 stars. It's kind of a like-it but not-a-fan or not-too-interesting relationship going in the mind of the user after the movie.So I'm going to review this movie starting with what went good. The acting by all the lead actors is of course good, and that's not something one can bring this movie down really. With a strong A-list cast, it was bound to have some good performances. And Gosling, Clooney, Hoffman make sure you are not disappointed in that regard. Clooney even did a good job directing, and one can't feel that he really could have directed this. Clooney comes of looking good as and realistic and a presidential candidate and Gosling looks very convincing as the very idealistic Campaign Manager who slowly faces the "et Tu, brute" situation and realizing that not everything is as good as it looks, is forced to change himself. So, overall, there are some good performances in this movie.The cinematography, style of shooting, visual effects, and the catchy soundtrack add to creating that thrilling police air for the movie, which again make it gripping and interesting to watch. It keeps the viewer hooked that something interesting is going to happen soon.But alas, that's where the movie fails. Suddenly you realize the movie's over and that was it. Nothing that "big" happened. The Big groundbreaking scandal you were expecting, is not a love affair of a candidate with the intern. Maybe in the old times, but the current times when you have Trump running, with even wilder stuff for presidential candidates coming and going, where you hear political senators from the US engaging in all kinds of weird sexual acts and other scandalous items, this seems very small. There's that all this for that much? Question left when you are finished watching. You realize the some good acting was just wasted there on something that could have turned out to be really good.It's not the script, the movie has good dialogues and and quotes and the talks seem real. It's the overall story that has the fault. It's not as gripping and as much of polecat thriller as it wanted (or was trying) to be.The reason for Gosling to switch from the good to the "take-revenge" mode just didn't seem that strong enough. It wasn't presented well. There's so much that he could have done to prevent but no, it was just a mess with many loopholes. The movie starts of being very realistic, but when it mixes too much emotion all of a sudden, the reality the movie was going for, suddenly becomes less and brings the whole movie down. Overall, the story is pretty straightforward, and the message that the movie is trying to convey is quite simple, and thus puts a lot of pressure on the lead of the movie (gosling) to make it engaging or thrilling, but unfortunately, the character played by him isn't able to deliver that meat of the story required. The story lacks character development. It lacks the heart and soul it required from its protagonist and antagonist which could have made it a fierce completion and an edge of the seat thriller. The competition/fight/race to outshine each other between Clooney and Gosling's character just doesn't seem something actually worth getting into a rivalry for and doesn't seem to reach the intense heights it could have.And it's definitely not intellectual. It's not a smart movie. It doesn't make you think anything towards the end. It doesn't make the users feel connected to the characters. I couldn't feel myself in anyone's shows in the entire movie. Not a single character that could connect with he audience. You don't seem to learn anything new out of all that drama. Just the same old, same old.Overall, its not a bad movie, pretty enjoyable for a one time watch, but cannot make it to anyone's list of all-time favorites. It's not dull, but also not as sharp and exciting as it could have been. It's polished and refined, but the message isn't really clear.