All the King's Men

Remake of the 1949 film, updated. Sean Penn plays the upcountry bumpkin who tries to expose corruption, loses an election, and is vindicated by an ensuing tragedy. He is drafted to run for governor some few years later, unaware he is being used a way to split to hick vote. Alerted to the sham, he tosses away his dry speech and let loose with appeals to the pride of the forgotten.

Jude Law is superb as the hard-bitten reporter who joins forces with the reformist politician. Jack Burden also has a romantic link that has never been brought to resolution; that role is played by Kate Winslet, and I thought little of the role or her acting.

Anthony Hopkins plays the thorn in Willie Stark's side. He doesn't quite airmail it in, but his acting seems at least in part done by rote. He's good, sure. Penn is excellent, but it is Law that really shines.