"All the King's Men (2006)"

Sean Penn
Jude Law
Kate Winslet
James Gandolfini
Mark Ruffalo
Patricia Clarkson
Anthony Hopkins

PG13           128min           2006

“All the King’s Men”, based on the novel by Robert Penn Warren, is about a man Willie Starks’s (Penn) humble beginnings to Louisiana Governor. How power corrupts and absolute power corrupts absolutely, and that destruction and betrayal goes hand in hand with corruption.

Sean Penn gives an Oscar worth performance. His performance stands out in a film with exceptional performances. Everyone in this film is excellent. All the Kings Men should get an Oscar for the entire ensemble.

This story is riveting and keeps you in your seat. The inspiration for Willie Stark is Huey Long, Louisianan State politician, Governor from 1928-1932 and Senator 1932-1935. It shows you that Willie Starks a good intended man is corrupted when politics comes into play. This one should not be missed its will worth its price.

This movie is better to be seen on DVD. The extras on the DVD are will worth it and enhance the experience of the movie. Never having heard of Huey Long it made me want to read up on him. It seems that he was a color full character that demanded the same reform as Willie Stark. Huey Long made it all the way to Senator with ambition of running for President.

Everyone loves a good underdog story. If you missed it at the movies or want to see it again, All the King’s Men, is worth giving a look to. It has strong performances from the entire cast. The story grabs you and keeps you intrigue. The DVD extras enhance the movie when you find out about the history behind this movie, inspired by 1946 Pulitzer Prize winning novel of the same name.

I give it 5/5 Gs.