Review of The Ides of March

The Ides of March is a pulse-racing thriller that hits where it hurts. Clooney's performance is exceptional and Gosling is terrific in an all-stops-out role. Even though all the supporting elements of a superior film are here, the actual plot that everything is at the service of is disappointing. The texture of reality and the sheen of fine craft disguise this for a while, but not forever.Clooney and cast are an absolute triumph, but even their solid and engaging performances can't mask the serviceable but thin and unremarkable plot that links them.