All The King’s Men. Sean Penn, Jude Law, Kate Winslet, James Gandolfini, Mark Ruffalo, Patricia Clarkson, Anthony Hopkins.  Columbia Pictures.  Drama.  Written & directed by Steven Zaillian. 

The film’s theme concerns absolute power corrupting absolutely, as the story charts the rise and fall of charismatic Southern politician “Boss” Stark.  At first, Stark is looking out for the common man, but self-glorifying ambitions quickly overwhelm his man-of-the-people roots. 

Penn peaks early on with a scene that will no doubt be remembered come Oscar nominating time, but the actor adds little dimension or much enthusiasm as the film progresses.  He’s actually boring.  (Never thought I’d say that about one of the most interesting actors of this generation.) 

But the worst thing is the film’s lack of moral direction.  There simply is no character portraying a positive example.  Penn’s character, obviously a good ol’ boy Democrat, takes as many shots at the corporate world and Republicans as possible, yet his character offers no moral distinction.  Nor does anybody else in the movie.  There are people in politics who think you can better our nation without first examining their own conduct.  Evidently, these characters have learned from their real-life counterparts.

Video Alternative:  A Face In The Crowd.  Andy Griffith began a serious movie career as a country boy who makes good then becomes a cad.  Director Elia Kazan’s drama deals with the same subject matter – corruption of the soul – without the excess or confusion that makes the new All The King’s Men a mere parody.

Or rent the original version of All the King’s Men with the Oscar-winning Broderick Crawford.  It is a powerful film that examines corruption in the political and business worlds while avoiding obscene language and gratuitous sex.

PG-13 (8 obscenities, a few minor expletives and 5 profanities; two men are gunned down; a suicide is seen; blood from the two dead men commingles, flowing in the cracks of the State’s insignia; blood is splattered from a suicide’s gun shot to the head; the lead is a fornicator and adulterer; there are two sex scenes and a couple of other suggestive scenes that reflect the lead’s sexual interests outside marriage; brief nudity in one scene.; a couple of sexual conversations, one becoming crude and vulgar; drinking throughout; everyone smokes). 

Running Time: 120 min

Intended Audience: Older teens and adults.

Reviewed by Phil Boatwright, the Movie Reporter
For other recent reviews by Mr. Boatwright, visit previewonline.org.