In politics, loyalty is more important than doing the right thing.

So says “The Ides of March,” the political thriller directed, co-written and co-starring George Clooney.  Set during a Democratic presidential primary race, “Ides of March” doesn’t have a positive opinion on the business of politicking. Even the players who work with a self-established ethical code will make sacrifices for a chance at the White House.

Based on the play “Farragut North” by Beau Willimon, with a screenplay by Willimon, Clooney and Grant Heslov, “The Ides of March” has the tone, pacing and theatrics consistent with those of a high-pressure political campaign. It also has a few plot twists that belong in a different movie.

Ryan Gosling, already a standout this fall in “Drive,” stars as Stephen Meyers, an idealistic junior campaign manager working for Governor Mike Morris (Clooney) on the eve of a vital primary in Ohio. Stephen’s mentor and boss, Paul Zara (Philip Seymour Hoffman) is trying to secure the endorsement of an influential Senator (Jeffrey Wright), while the opposition’s campaign manager Tom Duffy (Paul Giamatti) calls Stephen with inside information and a potential job offer. (more…)