This film is one of those which starts out pretty good, and gets worse as it goes. Willie Stark begins campaigning as a man who tells it like it is, and he cares for the “hicks” and little people. His aim is to be elected governor of Louisiana. With an evangelistic style for his political pulpit, he gets himself elected despite great odds. Yet it’s not long before Willie starts using some unsavory methods to fight off his detractors and enemies.

Sean Penn gives an Academy-Award caliber of performance in this film, and Jude Law is excellent too. Unfortunately, the strong language and violence at the end of the film sink it and prevent it from sailing along on Dove’s family-approved film list.