There are many films in which exceptional and talented actors participate which leave audiences praising their contribution. However, heavy guns are not needed in this remake of the 1949 version with the same name. "All the Kings men" is loosely based on the rise and fall of Louisanna's famed governor, Huey Long. Having seen the original Black and White, and then viewed this updated colored version, I can say with all honesty, neither Hopkins, Penn, nor the addition of Jude Law, and his incredible persona, could save this remake. This film has a great deal going for it. The sincere and passionate speeches made by the up and coming Governor are to say the least, inspirational. The dark drama of conversations in the car and hotel scenes are dramatic and create tension and tenor. However, too much weight is given to the muck-raking and soul-searching scenes, some of which are never exploited for the audience. This movie version spends an inordinate amount of time panning the secrets of Willie Stark (Sean Penn), the relationship of Jack Burden (Jude Law) and how they interplay with Judge Irwin (Anthony Hopkins). In doing so, the film loses its direction, for the heart and soul of the historic and meteoric rise of the famed politician. ***
Review of All the King's Men
