Rating of
3/4
"The Ides Of March" by Yojimbo
Yojimbo - wrote on 07/15/14
The press secretary and true believer of an up and coming presidential candidate uncovers a scandal leaving him with a moral dilemma that could potentially destroy this political golden boy's career. Based upon a play by Beau Willimon who was responsible for the American adaptation of the classic political drama House Of Cards, The Ides Of March has all of the kinds of cynical intrigue you'd expect of Frank Underwood's creator. The story is not quite as black-hearted as the TV series but the representation of modern politics being the product of back room deals, manipulation and blackmail certainly retains its flavour. Solid writing and a cast to die for make for a smart, savvy drama but at the same time The Ides Of March does leave you with the feeling that you walked in half way through the story; there's a certain sense of context that is missing and the lack of a weighty, focal message makes it seem a little soapy. But thanks to the talent involved it feels like a piece of intelligent, quality entertainment that fans of both House Of Cards and The West Wing will not fail to appreciate.
