An important movie, and a good one too!

Rating: 9/10 (19 March 2006)

Starring: Robert Redford, Dustin Hoffman, Jason Robards, Hal Holbrook
Awards: 4 Oscars for Best Supporting Actor (Jason Robards); Best Adapted Screenplay (William Goldman); Best Art Direction; Best Sound (1977) (Nominated for Best Picture)
Opening with a botched break-in attempt at Democratic HQ, this docu-drama tells the story of Washington Post reporters Carl Bernstein (Hoffman) and Bob Woodward (Redford)'s attempt to unravel the Watergate mystery. Up against the most powerful (and paranoid) man in the world, it's understandably difficult.
The story is that of history -- everyone knows the basics, and the film does a pretty good job covering the details. It's fairly informative, but there are a few problems. There are times in the film where it becomes difficult to keep track of who's who. There are a lot of names being thrown around; it is a massive conspiracy. But sometimes, it's too much. I spent so long trying to place which name went with which person that I was pulled out of the reality of the film and realized I was watching a movie.
Other than that, there's a lot to like. The expansive cinematography gives us a good concept the scope of what Woodward and Bernstein are undertaking, and the performances give us a good idea of how frustrating and frightful the entire ordeal must have been.
FINAL SCORE: 8.6/10 = A-
The acting here is all excellent, except for maybe Hoffman who seems to be doing his same old thing. Jason Robards is fantastic as Post editor Bill Bradlee -- his ass rides on the story's truth, and his dead-pan intimidation seems both effortlessly forceful and funny. The ending is a bit quick, but the story is a good one. This is a quality film.