Review of All the Way (2016) by Alfin N — 26 May 2016

I thought this was very well done. Bryan Cranston was spot on capturing Johnson's vocal patterns and mannerisms. It showed Johnson as a complicated man, crude, devious, ruthless, but also committed to Civil Rights.

I do think the portrayal was a bit over the top. I've listened to a lot of the Oval Office tapes and they are generally pretty dull.I also thought it did a good job showing how the sausage is made, in this case the Civil Rights Act of 1964.

And, showing the conflict within the Civil Rights movement as MLK tried to mediate between the more militant members of his coalition and Johnson. I did have a couple of complaints, particularly the way Hubert Humphrey was portrayed.

I know it is conventional wisdom that Humphrey was wholly subservient to Johnson, and unwilling to tell contradict him...and that is what is portrayed in this film. It is simply not true. Humphrey was not Johnson's errand boy, and in fact was a prime mover in getting Civil Rights passed.

The film really glossed over his contribution which I think was unfair. Humphrey was as tough and ruthless as any politician as his long record of success shows. He was more personally amiable and idealistic than Johnson which the film does show.

It also glosses over the genuine love and respect Johnson had for Humphrey. But...it is a movie...and youa re always going to have these kinds of complaints...overall it was very well done and I definitely recommend everyone watch it, especially with what is going on this year!