The mere mention of George Clooney connected to a film counteracts any negative thoughts among many movie fans. Personal charm aside, Clooney brings his entire shopping cart of award-wining talents to the checkout stand in The Ides of March. The screenplay by Clooney, Grant Heslov and Beau Willimon (based on his play Farragut North) about a presidential campaign is clever, expeditious and boasts incisive dialogue that rings true.

However, this film is also somewhat predictable in spots. How can there be a movie about politics without issues of trust, lies and misconceptions? Still, Clooney seems to know what he wants when he steps behind the camera, and he doesn’t miss a beat in his direction here. The talented cast members -- including Clooney, Ryan Gosling, Philip Seymour Hoffman, Paul Giamatti, Evan Rachel Wood and Marisa Tomei -- deliver compelling characters who keep us guessing their real intent throughout the film. 

Stephen Meyers (Gosling), who has worked for Governor Mike Morris (Clooney) for some time, is now the man’s press secretary in his run as the Democratic nominee for president of the United States. There’s no room for pollyannas in politics -- and Meyers is completely behind Morris and his clean platform at the beginning of the campaign. As he begins to work with Morris’ well-seasoned campaign manager Paul Zara (Philip Seymour Hoffman), Morris is certain he’s placed his idealism with the right people.  

The plot begins to imitate real life when Morris’ opposing candidate's manager Tom Duffy (Paul Giamatti) sets his big foot into the ring. Meyers not only has to contend with him, but also with an intern (Evan Rachel Wood) ready to break all of the rules and a cunning New York Times reporter (Marisa Tomei) who knows how to play the political game all too well.

Clooney is quite believable as Morris with his promises like “I said I wasn’t going to make those kinds (backroom) of deals.” Gosling does a terrific job traversing the highs, lows, and roadblocks of his character. Hoffman, who said he never wanted to appear in a political movie, makes a great addition to the film, as does Giamatti -- even in his small role. Wood creates great chemistry with Gosling, giving the film a breather from all the political anxiety.

Intrigue, drama, romance and even some thriller moments are all there in The Ides of March. It’s a movie I wouldn’t mind seeing twice.

(Released by Sony Pictures Entertainment and rated “R” for pervasive language and adult themes.)

Review also posted at www.reviewexpress.com.