 | ON: Content is age-appropriate for kids this age. |
 | PAUSE: Know your child; some content may not be right for some kids. |
 | OFF: Not age-appropriate for kids this age. |
 | NOT FOR KIDS: Not appropriate for kids any age. |
The Ides of March
- Review Date: October 7, 2011
- R
- Genre: Drama
- 2011
Common Sense Media says
Smart, cynical thriller deals in political excesses.
Parents say
Kids say
QUALITY
What parents need to know
Parents need to know that this engrossing, well-acted thriller paints an ugly picture of the political landscape; prepare to be disenchanted (if you aren't already). Teens drawn to the movie by co-star Ryan Gosling's presence may find it very cynical, insidery, and heavy-handed, unless they're students of election cycles. Expect frequent swearing ("d--k," "f--k," and more), heated verbal exchanges, a suicide (not graphic), and sexual content (including some suggested steaminess and references to affairs and their aftermath).
What's the story?
At 30, Stephen Myers (Ryan Gosling) is at the top of his game, handling media strategy for Pennsylvania Governor Mike Morris (George Clooney), who's the Democratic presidential candidate. Myers thinks that Morris is the real McCoy, a veteran who's mindful of the devastation that war brings; speaks his mind even on controversial, unpopular matters; and is so principled that he won't play political ball, even to garner crucial votes. Under the mentorship of Morris' campaign manager (Phillip Seymour Hoffman), Myers is allowed to flex his considerable mental muscles. He even gets to flirt with a promising intern (Evan Rachel Wood). But then he gets a surprise call from the opponent's camp. Their lead strategist (Paul Giamatti) wants to poach Myers from Morris' side, telling him that they have a number of political tricks up their sleeve that could crush the governor, so why not move to the winning side? The call leaves Myers reeling -- and sets in motion a chain of events that keeps him on shifting ground.
Is it any good?
There's so much that's so good about THE IDES OF MARCH: some genius mood-setting, compelling acting (especially from Gosling, Giamatti, and Hoffman and, to a lesser extent, Clooney -- who also directed and co-wrote the script), and dialogue that rings so true that it both stings and depresses. It's a piece of work, really -- in a good way.
But while there isn't a lot that's wrong with the movie, the disappointments weigh heavily. The heavy-handed noirish-ness of it all, for starters, which tamps down the power of the Beau Willimon play that inspired it. Dress it up in Hollywood lighting and off-kilter, purposefully tense camera angles, and it wilts. The machinations are meant to shock -- and they do, but not as much as the filmmakers seem to expect. At a time when the real-life political buffet serves up all sorts of scandals, is the one that pops up in the movie all that surprising? Or even damaging? Perhaps that's the salient question.
What families can talk about
Families can talk about how the movie portrays politics. Do you think it's accurate? Do you think there's room for idealism in the political world?
What role does the media have in the political process? How would you describe the relationship between media and politics?
Are political scandals all that surprising in this day and age? Why or why not? Do you think there are more scandals now than there used to be, or is it just a case of more media coverage/awareness?
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AGE
Good for 17+, "Pause" for 16, and "OFF" for 15 under
This is a very intense, complex political drama; I'm sure lots of kids who aren't very aware of politics/don't care wouldn't appreciate this movie. There are references about implied sex, a reference to a rape, and a suicide is spoken of from an overdose of drugs. There is consumerism, and plenty of drinking. The language is in RIDICULOUS proportions! There is SO much cursing it is unbelievable. C--k, pr--k, a--, ---hole, Godd-mn, d-mn, cr-p, t-ts, s--t, h-ll, d--k, SOB, and many other words are used in excess. The word f--k is use between 50-70 times. It is constantly used in many scenes expressing frustration, stress, anger, etc. This is DEFINITELY not for anyone under 16, maybe for anyone who is 17+. There is WAY too much cursing for kids to handle. Good for 17+, anyone else, you should "pause".
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AGE
Great political thriller
Since the other two reviews are both by teens younger than the age that they recommended I figured that I would post one that actually might help. The only reason that I say it is not for kids is because I highly doubt that anyone without at least a general knowledge on politics and publicity revolved around that it will be hard to understand and come across as a very boring movie. For politics fans, the movie is thrilling and powerful. It is very well acted. The language is extremely vulgar with frequent use of F**k, S**t, Godd**n, etc. I do not see anyone under the age of 17 enjoying this film except for maybe some smart teens who love Politics.
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AGE
Thought-provoking pick for mature teens
I think that a mature teen could handle this movie. They would have to be more mature than the average teen to understand the subject matter and to recognize that some characters were making very poor choices. The language was about as bad as it gets, but I think that most teens my age have been exposed to swearing and should know by now that it isn't appropriate. The characters in the movie had little redeeming value, but it was easy for me to understand that not all politicians are like that.
On the plus, this movie is a great one to talk about with your parents. It's a great choice for a teen considering a career in politics. It gave me some insight into the political process, which is great for teens who will be voting in a few years. It made me realize how important it is to know all you can about the candidate you are choosing. Also, it does a good job of representing how hardcore the political process can be. Overall, I would recommend this movie to mature teenagers; I found it very interesting and thought that the acting and directing were fantastic.
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AGE
Be careful of what you see
Most of this movie was fine, but my dad didn't let me see one scene when I had to close my eyes.
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AGE
Great excuse to go out on your own
I knew this was going to be very explicit with loads of bad language so it gave me an excuse to go watch something by myself for once, whilst not feeling bad for the kids. Although I was disappointed that there new ideas in this film. American politics should not be forced on people and cats.
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AGE
Know if you are interested to watch it
In my opinion it's a great and educating film but i'm 15 and it was a little hard to understand the plot but then i was ok. If your kids are not interested in politics don't watch it my friend who is 13 fell asleep after the first 30 minutes but i enjoyed it. The acting was great especially ryan gosling.To be honest there was a love scene but not anything bad if you are mature. I totally recomend watching it because it makes you understand how are things.I only chose age 17 because of the complicated plot many teens may be bored, i don't think language is an issue because you must be like 3 to say sth you heard in the movie, if kids use those words they will continue, if they don't they wont start because they are mature if they don't
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Kid, 11 years old
March 8, 2012
AGE
Good movie, but lots of cussing
I am an 11 year old kid who loves politicts and this movie is on my top 10 favorite movies. There was a lot of cussing but I am mature enough to watch this. I did have to leave the room for one scene but if you don't want your child to see it, dont let them. If you think that they are mature enough, let them.
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Kid, 11 years old
February 20, 2012
AGE
Great movie
I loved the movie and I'm not even 16. It could be boring to some kids, but I enjoyed it. Quite a bit of cursing, one scene that might be to much for kids, to mature. It was really great though.
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| Studio: | Columbia Pictures |
| Director: | George Clooney |
| Cast: | George Clooney, Philip Seymour Hoffman, Ryan Gosling |
| Genre: | Drama |
| Run time: | 102 minutes |
| Theatrical release date: | October 7, 2011 |
| DVD release date: | January 16, 2012 |
| MPAA rating: | R |
| MPAA explanation: | pervasive language |
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