Say hello to Stephen Meyers (Drive's Ryan Gosling) an idealistic press secretary for Governor Mike Morris (Clooney). The governor is one of those come-outta-nowhere politicos who capture the national spotlight in a tight presidential race. It's still primary season and Morris has yet to land a knock-out punch to his rival.
Not to worry. Morris has a top-notch campaign staff of seasoned talent headed by Paul Zara (the always great Philip Seymour Hoffman). The governor's main problem is his slippery opponent and his even slipperier campaign manager Tom Duffy (Paul Giamatti).
Governor Morris is a man of intellect, ideals and ideas. His campaign is catching on and it's not too long before his idealistic press secretary catches the opponent's eye. He takes a meeting with the opposition and before you can say "Stoli straight up" he's compromised himself and maybe even the campaign he loves.
Stephen is trapped in a game that has him playing both sides. His web of deceit catches everyone within walking distance - including pretty political intern Evan Rachel Wood. Of course, none of this intrigue goes unnoticed. Marisa Tomei's a crafty New York Times journalist hot on the heels of this make-or-break story.
Clooney knows his way in front of - and in back of - the camera. As director, he keeps the 101-minute story moving along at a breakneck pace. As an actor, he's just the kind of polished candidate you like to watch (think Romney with a charisma transplant). You'll be on the edge of your seat until the story wraps in a not-so-Hollywood ending.
The Ides of March is political drama at its very best. It doesn't matter if you live in a Red State or a Blue State, you'll think this election year thriller is great.