Movie Reviews for All the King's Men

All the King's Men

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Movie Reviews of All the King's Men

Movie Review: A Film Noir Classic
Summary: 4 Stars

I'm glad to see that the Sean Penn version of this movie has sparked an interest in the academy award winning original.

There are the unmistakable marks of its time in this film. It was made just after the end of WW II, and drawing analogies to dictatorships and American socialism are right from the times themselves.

Broderick Crawford is really good as Willie, although some members of the supporting cast, especially John Ireland, are not up to the roles they play. I also don't know whether the direction was as good as it could be; there are some situations where the combination of writer/director is absolutely inspired, but I would not say that here.

The ultimate destruction of the old order is, to me, the most fascinating element of this film. Film Noir was all about that: a breakdown in an old social order, with nothing but a void seeming to replace it. That is much in evidence here exemplified, as it was in the book, by "Burden's Landing" and its complex blend of great principles lost, but old prejudices and injustices going away, too.

It's a fascinating movie, and still quite watchable today. I agree with some who say there that it is better than the remake, as good as the remake was...

Movie Review: Read the book instead
Summary: 4 Stars

Having read the book a year or so ago for the first time I was excited to see the movie but I was disappointed. The book was so evocative of Louisiana. The state was practically another character. Warren did a great job of the interconnectedness of the people and their traditions. Also in the book there was a part set during the civil war that was wonderful. I understand why they couldn't put that part in the movie but the movie felt like it could have been Anywhere small town US in the 30's rather than LA. Also the acting seemed overly dramatic and dated to me. There was still enough good about the movie for me to give it 4 stars (more like 3.5) but I'd suggest reading Warren's incredible book rather than watching this movie.

Movie Review: More things change
Summary: 4 Stars

...the more they stay the same. A classic film that's a little raw in its telling, but is still a film with a lot to say. Broderick Crawford gives a great performance of a 'Hick' lawyer that pulls himself through the muck with good intentions, but soon finds out how much mud can stick to you and sling onto others. There are elements in this film that is still true and relevant to our political officials to this day. A man is born in sin and raised in corruption, after all. A good film that all movie lovers should see.

Movie Review: Based on fact, a very good political movie
Summary: 4 Stars

Based on fact, this is a very good political movie. We need more powerful and colorful polilticians like Huey Long from Louisiana.

Note -- this is the clsssic movie with Broderick Crawford -- don't confuse it with a newer version which 'sucks'.