All The King's Men (2006)

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  June 2, 2011

  SirPant

  I've been meaning to see Robert Rossen's original All the Kings Men for a while but somehow I've managed to see this version first. If it is as good as this film then I will be pleased. The acting by the more than capable cast was impressive and I thought the story flowed so well... read more with the odd on/off narrative from Jude Law's character. I thought it was a good choice as it could have very easily been just another cliched and predictable political drama that has been made time and time again. It's not a perfect film by any stretch but there is something quite pleasing about its imperfections and quirks. At the very least it is very watchable, I'm slightly confused by the very low ratings it has been given, I can only conclude that people actually like watching the same film over and over.

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  January 6, 2010

  ythelastman89

  I know I might be in the minority, but I loved every minute of this. The acting was terrific and it was a perfect neo-noir story. I liked the idea of seeing the complete corruption of an innately good person and the following of him by journalist Jack Burden.

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  December 29, 2009

  FilmFanatik

  All of the talent but none of the substance would be a good way to describe this film.

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  November 14, 2008

  LorenzoVonMatterhorn

  "Time brings all things to light."
  
  The legacy of a populist Southern politician whose lofty ambitions for the future leave him open to corruption and scandal is detailed as author Robert Penn Warren's thinly veiled portrait of Depression-era Louisiana governor Huey Long c... read moreomes to the screen -- again -- this time courtesy of director and screenwriter Steven Zaillian. Willie Stark (Sean Penn) is a man of the people, and for the people; at least that's what he tells the people. Propelled into a race for governor by opposing forces looking to split the "hick vote," Stark is convinced by a handler -- as well as by young journalist Jack Burden (Jude Law) -- to not kowtow to the powers that be. His rhetoric grows fiery, and he makes his way into office on a not-so-solid foundation of social-service promises. When idealism gives way to the harsh realities of the time, however, the fast-talking politico is quick to discover just how far one can fall when ambition and power lead to a betrayal of one's original motivations. Kate Winslet, Patricia Clarkson, James Gandolfini, Mark Ruffalo, and Anthony Hopkins round out an all-star cast in this second version of Warren's Pulitzer Prize-winning 1947 novel; the first won a parade of Oscars after its release in 1949.
  
  Review
  While this movie did contain a startling amount bad film clichés, including a "dark man in the shadows" bit, I think that the actors were about the only thing that made this film watchable. Penn was a bit over the top as Willie Stark, but it felt somewhat fitting, especially because he went more over the top as the character's mania increased. Jude Law, while exceedingly pretty, fit the character of the struggling debutante fairly well. Patricia Clarkson as Saide Burke far outshone the rest of the cast, and was really the only one that pulled off convincingly a Louisiana accent. Mark Ruffalo was underused and far out shown his traditional romantic comedy characters.
  
  There were parts of the movie that were distracting to the plot. The movie was overly melodramatic along with most of the music, which was at times distracting. James Gandolfini acted well but his accent was terrible. Kate Winslet was the least convincing of all cast members and often looked out of place. Worst of all, perhaps, is that the "morals" of the movie were so obvious and yet with the heaviness of the movie you felt empty for not achieving some deeper level of understanding.

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  December 29, 2007

  76Majikat

  With an all star cast led by Sean Penn (who yet again pulls off a great performance), this film requires your full undivided attention. Based on the 1946 novel by Robert Penn Warren this film is a political journey to the top and everything that is met along the way.

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  September 27, 2007

  SilentWarProductions2009

  Directed by: Steven Zaillian.
  Starring: Sean Penn, Jude Law, Anthony Hopkins, James Gandolfini, Patricia Clarkson.
  
  One of the biggest surprises in a film I have ever seen, even though I read the bad reviews, I thought to myself...'it has an A-list cas... read moret, intriguing premise and is written by Steven Zaillian, who in the past has written Schindler's List and The Interpreter'....what could go wrong?
  
  The film is based on Robert Penn Warren's novel, people see it as a remake because a film loosely based on the novel was made 60 years ago....it isn't. The film has all the qualities to be excellent....and falls very far short. The production values are high, the cinematography is amazing and the sets look authentic....but the film is extremely dull. Even with an intriguing premise, Steven Zaillian manages to badly string scenes together, throwing the pacing right off. The film goes for drama and thriller, yet it is over-dramatic and lacks in any thrills. The score is completely out of place, its like it realises that the scene is dull so it goes all over-dramatic to try and get a raise out of the audience. The cast is large and full of very talented people, yet no one really shines. I can't judge whether Sean Penn was badly cast or not, I never followed Wille Starks or knew what he was like, but his acting is over the top and along with the script, everything he says to the community is unconvincing and his 'meanings' are far from intelligent. Jude Law I think could have been great if he had the right script, but then again his accent wasn't the best, with his english accent sneaking its way through all the time.
  
  Overall the film was a complete letdown, it had all the ingredients to make a great film and yet it came out dull and unconvincing. Not recommended.

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  March 5, 2007

  YLOWBSTARDreturns

  This movie looked so promising when it was first announced. But a few delays and rewrite later, this is what we're left with.

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  January 30, 2007

  allan913

  Forget what the critics say, this is a great film. An excellent and teriffic movie from it's great begining to it's shocking conclusion. Provocative and outstanding. Powerful, riveting and brilliant. This is truly outstanding. Steven Zaillian has directed a major political achiev... read moreement with a cast that shines with dramatic intelligence. Sean Penn gives an magnificent powerhouse performance. Jude Law is fantastic. He carries the story and the characters in his nariration. Anthony Hopkins is brilliant.

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  November 18, 2006

  barrys

  this movie is a perfect reflex of how politic and politicians are managed these days, so real and so true that it impress you a lot. Maybe the movie is quite slow at the beginning, but the last 30 minutes of the movie are quite interesting, maybe the best part of the film. the ca... read morest is excellent with first class actors like Sir Anthony Hopkins, James Gandolfini and Sean Penn that makes an amazing performance.

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  September 19, 2006

  flickfever

  It's Oscar time! Sean Penn is a shoe-in for the Best Actor category and will be the one to beat this season. Of course, the season is just started and there are many other performances to see and expect. But Penn gives a tour-de-force turn as Louisiana governor Willie Stark.
  
  S... read moretarks charisma and political fortitude is exuded seamlessly by Penn's adeptness to portray him as a humas with slightly superhuman powers of persuasion. He is an everyman who rallies the people of the small southern state and commands the voting public to give him a landslide victory.
  
  Through all of this, though, there are powers greater than Stark who are (and have been) plotting and arranging a way to overthrow everything Stark has worked for while reaping the benefits.
  
  The cinematography is classic. Jude Law, Kate Winslet, Patricia Clarkson and Anthony Hopkins round-out this top-notch ensemble cast to deliver a pitch-perfect motion picture that has all the elements to make it a winner: a smart script, stellar acting, impeccable directing and a cast and crew that is to die for. Definitely check this one out.
  
  NOTE: The pace of this film may be deemed rather slow and streched-out, but it is crucial in order to let the plot develop and the character arc to unfold. It pays-off in the end.

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• Sean Penn as Willie Stark
• Jude Law as Jack Burden
• Kate Winslet as Anne Stanton
• James Gandolfini as Tiny Duffy
• Mark Ruffalo as Adam Stanton
• Patricia Clarkson as Sadie Burke
• Kathy Baker as Mrs. Burden
• Jackie Earle Haley as Sugar Boy
• Anthony Hopkins as Judge Irwin

Click a thumb to vote on that suggestion, or add your own suggestions.

• 
  Friday After Next (50%)
• 
  The King and the Clown (33%)
• 
  All the King's Men (75%)
• 
  The Last King of Scotland (21%)

• • Sadie Burke: The world of full on skates?

• What 1949 Best Picture winner was remade in the 2006 version that starred Sean Penn, Anthony Hopkins, and Kate Winslet?  Answer »
• I've played in All the King's Men, Little Children, Enternal Sunshine of a Spotless Mind, Finding Neverland and Heavenly Creatures. Who am I?   Answer »
• All the king's ___ ___ in black X-___ ___ of Honour Matchstick ___  Answer »
• Name the movie from this antonym. None the Queen's Girls   Answer »

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