We've already seen this move 20 times. They act like its something different, but the critics can't even spin it as something different. It is just like (insert movie with dirty lawyer with heart of gold here) The adults don't need to see movies they have already seen, leave that one to the kids.

I could not agree with you more patron002. People way overanalyze these issues. I happened to watch 'Michael Clayton' and was supremely disappointed. Indeed it was something I have seen countless times before, lawyer that sees the light, evil corporation that would do anything, even murder, to silence witnesses (which means the usual attorney/big wig that gets a conscience and wants to do the right thing, etc. etc.), evil corporation that, suprise, releases harmful chemicals into the environment, the protagonist with marital problems, and so on and so forth, complete with the utterly tacked on and out of nowhere resolution at the end that leaves everyone feeling jerked around.

I'll get on this bandwagon. Been there and done that. But I'll go further. And call me shallow, or pigheaded, or insert your favorite derogatory remark here, but I go to movies to be entertained. I have not seen this movie so I can't comment on it specifically, but I am done with the movies that shove a politcal or social or 'causal' message down your throat. (In this case isn't it that big corporations are bad? sorry have not seen it yet...) (Guess what George, if you go mango lefty you better be a darn great and amazing actor to get the conservatives to go to the hip.) I get enough people spouting there views on me every day in person and in the media; I don't want a lick of it in the theater for my $10 and $30 trip to the concession stand. The Academy Awards are so meaningless to office infantry like myself. IMHO, best picture of the year? Transformers.

I'll go put on my asbetos undies... let the flaming begin...

I always thought that as some point, people were going to figure out that even though he might be a nice guy, George is a lousy actor. I first saw him on the medical show, and thought that it was so bad it must be a Sat Night Live takeoff comedy, but it wasn't. He was trying to be serious and do a good job - NOT! The only time he did anything worthwhile was when he was not allowed to talk during the captaincy while battling the Perfect Storm. He has never gotten any better. Sorry George.

I can only remember one movie where I thought he actually did a good job AND the movie was entertaining. That was Oh Brother Where Art Thou? It didnt hurt that he was surrounded by very good tallent. I agree that I better be entertained for that $10 Ticket, and $20 concession stand visit. Guess thts why I have been to 3 movies since 98. Nothing new, and even when they have a great story, Hollywood can ruin it. (See Pearl Harbor, Alexander, etc.)

I agree completely. I know Clooney's social and political views, and I disagree with them completely. Therefore, unless one of his movies is obviously pure entertainment (i.e - the Oceans franchise) I won't pay a dime to go see it or to rent/buy it on DVD. As Hollywood becomes more and more politicized, there are more and more actors and actresses I feel this way about. As hard as the SGA might find it to believe, there are things other than watching movies that I can do with my time and my money.

Case in point--we've been told of the incredible drop in folks going to the movie houses. This has all been blamed on a number of things such as cable, movie to DVD sales or rental, the internet, etc., but the bottom line is America IS tired of the same old stuff. I love a good movie. I want to go and enjoy myself, either by seeing some action or getting wrapped up in a moving story. I HATE being lectured to, though, and will not go to movies that seem to think the American public must be ignorant because they don't watch this stuff. We do know what's going on in our world and hate it. And maybe that's why we want this 'escapist' fluff to watch. By the way, I am a Northerner in the South. Guess what Hollywood, New York and L.A.? They aren't stupid people like you seem to infer. And I've learned that most don't give a flying fig what you think of them, but if it makes you feel better, well...

During WWII folks went to the movies to escape the harsh realities of the war and it's effect on the homefront. Today we are assaulted daily with the negative in the world, thanks to the media. Earthquakes, floods, wars, genocide, AIDS, pedophiles, unabashed cruelty from one human to another and a Congress who have made their political parties more important than their constituents are in our faces all day every day. I would wager that the average American wants to escape this stuff, just for a little while. Some folks do drugs, drink or involve themselves in a variety of activities to escape the horrors of the day. My choice was the movies since it is cheaper than drugs and alcohol (well, barely) and less dangerous to my health. I rarely go these days since the pickins' ain't good. My anxiety level has increased. My sleep isn't satisfying so I'm gonna sue Hollywood for contributing to the lack of quality in my life.

GIVE US A BREAK!