All the King's Men
User Score
5.1 out of 10

Mixed or average reviews- based on 46 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 21 out of 46
  2. Mixed: 8 out of 46
  3. Negative: 17 out of 46

Review this movie

  1. Your Score
    0 out of 10
    Rate this:
  1. Submit
  2. Check Spelling
view
per page
  1. DaveW.
    Jan 7, 2007
    9
    I think too many reviewers are too hung up on the previous movie instead of letting this one speak for itself. I found Penn's performance outstanding and the dialogue mesmerizing. Evidently the language was too "literary" for some, but for me it was a bracing antidote to the understated attempts at hipness that clog the film output these days. One of the best of the year.
  2. PJ
    Oct 1, 2006
    10
    Best film I've seen this year.
  3. Robertxxx
    Oct 5, 2006
    9
    I
  4. SeanF.
    Jan 27, 2007
    10
    This is one of the all time greatest movies I've seen. The only unfortunate thing is that it has ruined my opinion of critics for eternity. Some of the actors didn't pull off being Southerners very well, but that was the only flaw I observed watching this film. A great depiction of a populist's rise to power, and the inevitable coming together of the wealthy and powerful to stop him at any cost.… Expand
  5. ChadS.
    May 26, 2007
    9
    All the King's Men is a phenomenal movie, end of story. It's not action packed or full of comedy, but it is a very serious and well done film, which is something most teens don't enjoy watching these days. It stars Sean Penn, Jude Law, Anthony Hopkins, and Kate Winslet, and all of them do an extremely good job, especially Sean Penn as Willie Starks, the mayor. The story is about one man's rise to being the mayor of Louisiana and giving the people what they need, new roads, bridges, schools etc... and not allowing the large companies to steal all their money. The plot and characters are well thought out, and its no wonder the book won the national Pulitzer prize. The directing is the best i have ever seen, and I've been watching a TON of movies lately, but this one beats them all. Everything about All the King's Men is good, however i can't say that many teenagers will like it since it isn't a horror movie, or action flick, or comedy, but if you are looking for a serious film then this is perfect for you. On a scale of one to ten, five being average, All the King's Men gets a 9.25.… Expand

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
37 out of 100

Generally unfavorable reviews - based on 37 Critics

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 4 out of 37
  2. Mixed: 20 out of 37
  3. Negative: 13 out of 37
  1. Time
    Reviewed by: Richard Schickel
    70
    You can, if you will, think of All the King's Men as a purely political parable, but that is to miss its blackest, bleakest meanings.
    Read full review
  2. Variety
    Reviewed by: Todd McCarthy
    40
    Overstuffed and fatally miscast, All the King's Men never comes to life.
    Read full review
  3. New York Magazine (Vulture)
    Reviewed by: David Edelstein
    40
    As Willie Stark, Sean Penn demonstrates how a great Method actor can make the world’s most unconvincing rabble-rouser.
    Read full review
See all critic reviews »