Review of All the King's Men (1949) by Damion R — 27 Sep 2008

Despite a fantastic performance by Sean Penn, although this film is not without its moments, the pace and discombobulated editing made it a tough movie to watch, understand and be entertained by as you spend too much time trying to peace together the jumps in time and character.

A valiant attempt at getting Penn another Oscar nom, but I am sure too many Academy members fell asleep before this film even got halfway through to give him a fair chance...and I couldn't blame them. A great story about the rise and fall of a "hick politician" in Louisiana just leads you to feel the way one might on a hot summer afternoon in New Orleans...worn out and looking to escape.