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For all those fans of film noir, this is a must see!! This dynamic, new director takes his audience to those places you have nightmares about - the depths of your soul's darkest places. Through inventive cinematography and provocative theme, Andrew Eckblad establishes himself as a name you will be hearing about for a very long time. Man's age old sin of envy is well-plotted and exquisitely filmed by this new face in film-making. Told through the 'eyes' of a child, Mr. Eckblad evokes the feeling we do not like to confront in the light of day. If you enjoy a thought-provoking theme told through the eye of film noir, this is a must see!!

And it is through this notion that an American phenomenon was born during a time of great need in our nation. And in All The King's Men, the needs of America during and after the Great Depression is the backdrop for this political tale. And like the Greek tragedy that has played over many times throughout history, the director once again shows us that absolute power corrupts absolutely.

This tale of a flawed man with good intentions giving way to hubris is one the Greeks identified thousands of years ago. And like our Greek predecessors, this real-to-life political climate of Louisiana is our Athenian tale of ambition, achievement and ultimately destruction by the very forces that brought it to power.

As Willy Stark, Sean Penn gives us all a compelling look, as a fictional character who is unique and powerful master communicator. Willy comes to power by giving 'the common folk' their slice of the American dream--education, prosperity and dignity, even though it all comes by way of back-door deals and personal aggrandizement. In the character of Willy, Sean Penn again shows us why he is one of an elite handful of our greatest actors of this generation.

As with all great actors, he transforms his physicality, speech, and manner into this charismatic leader. Through his energy and understanding into the motivation of Willy Stark, the viewer is provided a glimpse into this complex individual driven by achievement and a need for attention that ultimately consumes him by his own ambition.

When there is a cast that boasts the likes of Anthony Hopkins, Jude Law, Cate Winslett, Patricia Clarkson and James Gandolfini, a mosaic of grand proportion has been assembled. With egos aside, each actor gives a masterful performance and exhibits a selflessness for the sake of the each character portrayed. This tale of politics in the South pulls us into each scene as each actor takes each word and gesture and turns them into an invitation to the viewer to become part of the scene.

The direction and photography of this period film about the birth of 20th Century American political flamboyance provide a canvas on which this master piece is painted.

To some, this film is slow moving. However one only has to look at the subtle relationships being built and revealed during periods of dialog-only scenes to understand the director's purpose. This director has composed his story like a visual symphony with each instrument defined and lending its unique presentation to the film's crescendo.

If the film goer watches this version of All The King's Men for action or some new twist on an old story, they will surely leave the experience empty and unsatisfied. However if one comes to view this film for the re-telling of a timeless story by an extraordinary cast being masterfully directed, then he or she will revel in the experience of film making at its very best. In the land where everyman is a king but no man a ruler, Willy Stark is a throwback to the old Kingfish -- the likes of which we have not seen in a very long time.