All The King's Men

Pros: Stark's speeches, corrupt politicians, twists and surprises

Cons: The reporter's mind wandering was boring

The Bottom Line: Don't expect a fast paced movie, but it all builds up to excitement later on. All in all, a good movie that I enjoyed

Review: You won't find me very political by nature. I distrust all of them myself! Well except Barack Obama... kidding, just kidding! Seriously though who doesn't want to believe politician's promises for a better world, better schools for our children, and the ...

Pros: Jude Law puts in a solid performance amidst an all-star cast...

Cons: Should've gone ahead and made the movie about Huey Long...

The Bottom Line: Star-studded cast led by Jude Law makes this fictitious bio of Huey Long sparkle on the silver screen...

Review: When I read the advance reviews on this one and saw the cast and characters, it was on top of my list for Must See of '06. However, by the time the packs of wild critics got through savaging it, I decided to wait until it hit Blockbuster before making my ...

Pros: BRILLIANT script, Sean Penn, Jude Law, filming locations, acting, themes

Cons: Mark Ruffalo/Kate Winslet miscast (a minor flaw)

The Bottom Line: This film is philosophical in the points and paradigms it presents; a definite must see and perhaps the best film of 2006.

Review: All the King's Men (2006) is a very powerful drama that has not received the attention it deserves by critics and movie buffs alike. Do not listen to the bad reviews that cite historical inaccuracies and lack of plot development as major problems. The ...

Pros: Acting = top notch.

Cons: Plot moves along very quickly with some major points made only with visual metaphors.

Review: Once again, another great performance by Sean Penn. Supporting acting in this film is also excellent, including Anthony Hopkins playing a powerful judge who is hiding a dark secret about his rise to power and wealth. Absolute power brings ...

Pros: Good story, good script, interesting and complex characters, does justice to the complexities of politics.

Cons: Anthony Hopkins's NON-accent.

The Bottom Line: It does justice to its theme of idealism versus cynicism, with a good story, three-dimensional characters, good dialogue, suspense, and satisfying denouement.

Review: Yes, this one actually improves on the original, which won Best Picture in 1949, plus a Best Actor Oscar for Broderick Crawford. Sean Penn is over-the-top as Willie Stark, the poor Lousiana man who rises to the top of the state political machine, but ...

Pros: Generally good acting, story and character

Cons: Dilution of main story by focus on Jack Burden, pacing

The Bottom Line: When Jude Law's acting and his character's story begin to dominate "All The King's Men," the film goes from a promising political drama to a murky romantic mystery.

Review: Whenever I write a movie review, I load up the IMDB to be sure I'm getting character and actor names correct. I was somewhat surprised - mostly from not having paid enough attention to the opening credits, I suppose - to see that Kate Winslet and Mark ...

Pros: Strong performances from main cast

Cons: Lags way too frequently to keep your attention.

The Bottom Line: I just couldn't get into this movie due to it dragging so frequently.

Review: Based on a 1946 novel by Robert Penn Warren, the story centers on "Willie Stark" (Sean Penn), a man whose strong ability to make speeches helps win him the Louisiana Governor's race. We see the story through the eyes of newspaper reporter "Jack ...