"IDES OF MARCH"

George Clooney has my vote anytime! He and Ryan Gosling, who plays his campaign manager, head up an excellent cast including Paul Giamatti, Phillip Seymour Hoffman and Marisa Tomei.  The plot reveals (and revels in!) the seamy side of politics. (That politics has a seamy side is no surprise, but nevertheless, this "expose" has some surprising twists.)  Running for office is not for sissies, and what happens behind closed doors doesn't always stay behind closed doors.  The story is set during an Ohio Presidential Primary, where all kinds of stuff is going on, such as betrayal, loyalty, friendship, secrets, infidelity (as distinct from "High Fidelity"). This one isn't about baseball, but it covers all the bases needed to make it a winner!  I was particularly impressed with Ryan Gosling's performance. (FYI : Clooney Directed, and also had a hand in bothWriting and Producing.)