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Knife Guys Will Ferrell & Ryan Gosling

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The Ides of March

Don't you just love that poster? I think it's one of the more brilliantly conceived movie posters lately. It's from the George Clooney helmed film The Ides of March that has recently been showing in the cinemas. The film is based on the play Farragut North by Beau Willimon last seen Off-Broadway in 2008 with Chris Noth and John Gallagher Jr.

The Ides of March is a political drama set during the democratic primary elections in Ohio and centers on Stephen Meyers (Ryan Gosling) an idealistic campaign strategist working for the campaign of Mike Norris (George Clooney). It looks at the backdoor deals that take place in politics and examines the subject of intergrity. I am well aware that these backroom deals happen but it's a bit jolting when it plays out in front of you in the movie screen. Aside from Mr. Clooney and Mr. Gosling, the film has a stellar cast of talented actors including Phillip Seymour Hoffman, Marissa Tomei, Jennifer Ehle, Paul Giamatti, Evan Rachel Wood and Jeffrey Wright. It is however, Mr. Gosling's film and his transformation from an idealistic newbie to a calloused man is chilling.

Crazy, Intelligent, Love.

Crazy, Stupid, Love. is touching, enjoyable, and genuine.  Athough a bit off-color at times, it never really resorts to crazy, stupid rom-com cliches.  It stars Steve Carell as Cal Weaver, whose wife Emily (the always excellent Julianne Moore) decides to end their 25 year marriage.  Cal drowns his sorrows at a bar where he meets smooth operator Jacob Palmer (a wonderful Ryan Gosling in a rare comedic role), who takes him under his wing.  The two actors have incredible chemistry.  Mr. Carell tones down the comedy and does exemplary dramatic work, while Mr. Gosling amps up the funny.  It's almost unbelievable that future lawyer Hannah (the quirky and terrific Emma Stone) would manage to resist Jacob's lady killer ways at all.

The cast is rounded out by Marisa Tomei as Cal's first successful pick-up after his Jacob make-over; Kevin Bacon as David Lindhagen, Emily's new man.  The Weavers' 13 year old son Robbie (Jonah Bobo) is besotted with their babysitter Jessica (Analeigh Tipton), who in turn is infatuated with Cal.  Of course, all sorts of complications, shenanigans and plot twists occur, which I will let you enjoy on your own.  All in all, a charming, non-formulaic romantic comedy that makes truthful-if-painful statements about love.

The DVD is out in stores.

(photo from Movie Poster DB)