Review of All the King's Men (2006) by Angela S — 05 Aug 2008

I don't understand the criticisms people give this movie. I thought it was REALLY good. I was hesitant to see it, because I hate Sean Penn. Not because he can't act, but he's just a douchebag. Ultimately, though, I saw the movie because there are too many good actors in it and it's about the state I live in/the man who made it what it is today.

Sean Penn played a perfect, eccentric hick. Anthony Hopkins was a little bit of an odd pick for someone who lives in Louisiana, as was James Gandolfini, but they did their best to be convincing. Jude Law actually fits in quite well, as does Kate Winslet. Jackie Earle Haley plays Sugar Boy, Penn's bodyguard in the film. He was probably one of the most interesting and under-used characters. "Baysterd." The acting is all around pretty good, and so is the execution. The movie was shot on location, so it winds up looking the part quite well.

I think the movie is well worth watching. It's based on what is supposedly one of the best English language novels of all time, and, while I haven't actually read it, I can't find much fault in the adaptation, because the movie is very well done.